In an unprecedented move, hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals were summoned to Quantico, Virginia, on September 30 to hear President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth — a gathering that quickly sparked outrage across the defense community.

According to The Washington Post, leaders from bases around the world were ordered to attend without explanation, prompting fears of mass firings or drastic policy shifts. Hegseth’s fiery remarks — criticizing “overweight generals,” condemning diversity initiatives, and calling for an end to “woke practices” — drew widespread condemnation.

Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling didn’t hold back, blasting the speech as a violation of military ethics. Speaking on MSNBC, he said, “Those leaders were embarrassed — not only for themselves but for the services they represent.”

Critics also raised alarm over the national security risk of gathering so many top officers in one location. As one defense official told Politico, “It could have been an email.”

“You praise in public, discipline in private,” Hertling reminded — a rule many say Hegseth and Trump publicly broke.