Overview

• Speaking to hundreds of generals and admirals summoned to Marine Corps Base Quantico by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Trump said cities should serve as “training grounds” and declared the National Guard would go into Chicago “very soon.”
• Trump cast urban crime and immigration as “a war from within” and highlighted plans for military quick reaction forces to help quell civil disturbances.
• Hegseth outlined cultural and operational shifts, pledging tougher fitness and appearance standards, overhauls of inspector general and equal opportunity processes, and looser rules governing the use of force.
• Legal experts and outlets noted that using federal troops in civilian law enforcement raises Posse Comitatus concerns, while Democratic mayors said Trump was “declaring war” on American cities.
• The White House has already directed deployments to Washington, D.C., Memphis and Portland, and reporters described the assembled officers as largely stone‑faced during the politicized remarks.