US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a partisan culture war speech to hundreds of top military officers, sparking concerns about the politicization of the armed forces. The gathering, which took place at a military base in Virginia, was criticized for its lack of clear purpose and its potential impact on the military’s non-partisan ethos.
In his remarks, Trump praised his own tariffs and insulted former President Joe Biden, while Hegseth emphasized the need to crack down on “woke garbage” and promote a “war-fighter culture.” The speech was met with silence from the audience, who were warned not to react or cheer by Pentagon officials.
The event has raised questions about the Trump administration’s priorities and its approach to national security. Critics argue that the gathering is an expensive and unnecessary distraction, while others express concern about the potential impact on military morale and cohesion.
Former military officials have already begun criticizing the speech, with some calling it “a war from within” and others expressing dismay at Hegseth’s comments on facial hair and physical fitness standards. The event has also sparked debate about the role of politics in the military, with some arguing that the armed forces should remain neutral and non-partisan.
As the US military faces real-world threats, the politicization of the armed forces raises concerns about its effectiveness and its ability to maintain national security.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/us/politics/trump-hegseth-military-officers.html