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At Quantico, Hegseth Orders DEI Rollbacks and ‘Highest Male’ Combat Standards as Trump Pitches City ‘Training Grounds’

Silence from the uniformed brass contrasted with a wave of partisan backlash led by retired officers.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, U.S., September 30, 2025.
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Photo illustration by Noah Hickey/The Dispatch (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images).
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Overview

  • Before an audience reported at more than 800 generals and admirals, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued 10 directives that scrap diversity initiatives and restore combat requirements to the “highest MALE standard only.”
  • Hegseth said he would overhaul inspector general and equal opportunity processes by ending anonymous complaints and revisiting definitions of toxic leadership, bullying and hazing.
  • President Donald Trump told the assembled leaders the military should use “dangerous cities” as training grounds and touted a quick‑reaction force for civil disturbances, as officers largely remained silent.
  • Democrats including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Jack Reed condemned the event and its proposals, while Republicans such as Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. August Pfluger praised the messages.
  • Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling publicly rejected claims that promotions stem from DEI policies, and Fox News’ Harold Ford Jr. criticized the televised spectacle as something that resembled authoritarian staging.