U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summoned more than 800 generals and admirals for an urgent meeting at a Navy base in Virginia this week, highlighting deep concerns within the Pentagon about the Trump administration’s upcoming defense strategy.
The meeting, which also included President Donald Trump, drew senior military officials from across the globe. Its purpose has largely remained undisclosed, creating uncertainty and anxiety among military ranks.
The new strategy under Hegseth emphasizes homeland defense, tightening competition with China, and reducing U.S. troop presence in Europe and Africa. While traditionally the Pentagon has prioritized global crisis response through strong alliances, the draft plan reportedly shifts focus toward domestic missions, including drug interdiction in the Caribbean, border security, and domestic support operations.
Internal concerns have been voiced by key military leaders, including Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, who reportedly warned that the proposed strategy may underprepare U.S. forces for global contingencies. Officials familiar with the process described growing frustration over what they see as a short-sighted and potentially flawed approach, particularly regarding U.S.-China competition and the response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, stated: “Secretary Hegseth has been tasked with developing a National Defense Strategy aligned with President Trump’s ‘America First, Peace Through Strength’ agenda. This process is ongoing.”
The meeting also signals potential large-scale personnel reductions and organizational restructuring, raising concerns among military leadership about the impact on readiness and morale.
As the Pentagon seeks to balance domestic security priorities with global commitments, internal debates over strategic direction highlight a rare and significant tension between political leadership and career military officials.
