Overview

• Retired Army Maj. Gen. Randy E. Manner said the televised gathering at Marine Corps Base Quantico treated generals, admirals, and senior enlisted leaders as stage props.
• He described Trump's address to the assembled leaders as a rambling political speech that further eroded any respect they held for their commander in chief.
• Manner disputed claims that attendees were instructed not to applaud, saying their restrained demeanor reflected professional, apolitical conduct.
• He alleged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged officials to do whatever it takes to win, language he said suggests ignoring the laws of war and violates American military norms.
• Manner noted the audience did not react as Trump appeared to expect and contrasted the scene with an 82nd Airborne event where he said soldiers were handpicked Trump supporters.