Trump and Hegseth Deliver Scathing Rant to Top US Military Leaders at Secret Gathering

Trump and Hegseth Gathered U.S. Military Leaders for an "Embarrassing" Rant In a rare gathering of top military brass at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2025, President Donald Trump and his self-styled Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered speeches that left many defense officials questioning the purpose and tone of the meeting. According to multiple sources, including three defense officials who spoke with The Intercept, Hegseth's address was marked by "confusing contradictions, wild-eyed cheerleading, and politically charged rhetoric." One official described it as a "rant little different than his social media posts." Trump followed Hegseth's remarks with a long, rambling speech that only sporadically touched on military topics. At one point, the president warned the assembled military leadership of a war from within, sparking concern among some officials. "It was embarrassing," said one defense official, who wished to remain anonymous. "The president seemed more interested in promoting himself than discussing actual policy or addressing the concerns of our military leaders." Hegseth's decision to gather the military's top commanders from around the world for the meeting has also raised eyebrows. Critics argue that the gathering was unnecessary and may have been used as a platform for Trump's personal agenda. "The purpose of this meeting is unclear," said another defense official. "It seems like a waste of time, especially given the pressing issues facing our military." Background context suggests that the meeting was part of an ongoing effort by Trump to reassert his influence over the military. In recent weeks, the president has faced criticism for using the troops to quell protests and occupy American cities. The gathering at Quantico comes as the Pentagon is grappling with a range of pressing issues, including budget cuts, personnel shortages, and rising tensions with rival nations. As the meeting concluded, officials were left wondering what impact, if any, the speeches would have on military policy or operations. The White House has yet to release an official statement on the gathering. In response to questions from reporters, a Pentagon spokesperson said only that the meeting was "a routine gathering of senior military leaders" and declined further comment. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Trump's relationship with the military and his willingness to use the troops for personal or political purposes. As the president continues to face criticism over his handling of national security issues, the question remains: what is the true purpose of these high-level meetings? *Reporting by Theintercept.*