Story perspectives
Military Leaders Reject Trump's "Pep Rally" Meeting with Hegseth
9/30/2025
35 4
1 of 1
Story summary
- Military leaders oppose the meeting with President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth, calling it a pep rally.
- Analyst David Rothkopf calls Hegseth the "least qualified Secretary of Defense" and questions morale and credibility.
- Hegseth orders officials in Quantico for a photo op and a "warrior ethos" speech.
- Trump, who has never served, aims to send a positive message to troops.
