President Donald Trump plans to attend an unusual gathering of senior U.S. military leaders at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday.
The event, organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, brings together hundreds of generals and admirals from around the world, including distant postings in South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East.
This rare in-person assembly of the nation's top brass highlights ongoing efforts to instill a "warrior ethos" across the armed forces.
Trump confirmed his attendance in interviews with Reuters and NBC News on Sunday, describing the meeting as a positive opportunity to boost morale.
He expressed intentions to convey appreciation to the leaders, emphasizing the importance of strength, toughness, and compassion in their roles.
The summons issued by Hegseth last week caught many senior officers off guard, with few details disclosed about the agenda.
Officials anticipate discussions on grooming and fitness standards, as well as broader aspects of the warrior mentality that Hegseth frequently promotes in public speeches.
The event is expected to involve travel via U.S. military aircraft to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, potentially costing millions in transportation and security for the large contingent, including aides and protective details.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has acted swiftly to align the Pentagon with Trump's national security priorities.
This includes firing top generals and admirals to eliminate what he views as discriminatory diversity initiatives.
Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order renaming the Department of Defense as the "Department of War," a title last used after World War II, signaling a return to a more combative posture.
Trump initially appeared unaware of the meeting during a Thursday Oval Office appearance but quickly endorsed it, noting its value in fostering connections among global military figures.
The gathering occurs amid heightened scrutiny of Trump's military engagements.
Recent actions include accelerating operations against drug trafficking vessels from Venezuela, deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C., and Memphis for law enforcement, and stationing troops at federal facilities.
Military specialists have raised alarms over the president's pattern of politicizing the armed forces, often using speeches to criticize political opponents, liberals, and the news media.
On Saturday, Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii sent a letter to Hegseth decrying the event as a costly political stunt with significant security risks.
They highlighted the unprecedented concentration of leadership in one location, questioning its necessity when virtual alternatives exist.
The meeting precedes a potential government shutdown on September 30, with congressional leaders deadlocked on funding.
Trump is scheduled to meet with bipartisan figures at the White House on Monday to address the impasse.