Ex-lieutenant general slams Trump fo
Generals Called to Virginia
On September 30, hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals were ordered to an emergency meeting at Quantico, raising fears of cuts or firings.
Critics later said the gathering “could have been an email” and warned it created “an inexcusable strategic risk.”
Hegseth’s Speech
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth attacked “overweight generals and
admirals” and called for ending diversity programs and limiting female soldiers in combat roles.
“I don’t want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape or in combat units with females who can’t meet the same combat arms physical standards as men,” he said.
Trump’s Address
Donald Trump also spoke, delivering a wide-ranging speech that left the room unsettled.
Hertling Responds
Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling blasted the meeting, calling it “a disciplinary approach in public with cameras.” He stressed that military leaders “will not execute illegal orders” and warned the event embarrassed the services they represent.
