President Donald Trump plans to attend a surprise gathering of top generals and admirals this week, two sources familiar with the matter said, adding a new dynamic to a meeting that’s been described as a “pep rally” for top military brass.
The gathering, set for Tuesday in Virginia, was originally intended as a way for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to describe the administration’s reinvention of the Department of Defense as the “Department of War” and outline new standards for military personnel, according to half a dozen people familiar with the planning.
When Trump was first asked about the meeting last week, he appeared to know little about it. He suggested it was meant as a showcase for new weaponry.
Now, Trump plans to attend in person. It will come days after he ordered US forces into Portland to protect immigration officers in the Oregon city, and as he ratchets up his use of the military to combat what he calls domestic terrorism.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Trump’s plan to attend, which was first reported by The Washington Post.
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