Hegseth Summons Hundreds of Senior Commanders to Quantico

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a short-notice gathering next week at Marine Corps Base Quantico of hundreds—potentially up to roughly 800—U.S. generals and admirals in command positions. The Pentagon confirmed only that Hegseth will 'address his senior military leaders' and provided no additional details. The order has prompted wide speculation about its purpose — ranging from a rollout of new strategic priorities or equipment reviews to discipline for public comments or a personnel purge — and follows Hegseth's public advocacy to cut roughly 20% of senior generals and admirals and a series of recent firings. Officials stressed the order applies to officers 'in command' rather than every general-level officer, and the concentration of so many senior leaders in one place has raised security and operational concerns and amplified unease within the services and on Capitol Hill. The announcement drew contrasting reactions from the White House, with President Trump calling it 'a big story' while Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed its significance.