Sep 25, 2025 - World

Hegseth sparks confusion with sudden summons of top generals

Colin Demarest

Pete Hegseth, a man in a suit, stands outside. He is silhouetted by harsh sun. The American flag is seen in the background. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a ceremony at the Pentagon in September. Photo: Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will address senior U.S. military leaders at a meeting next week, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. He offered no additional details.

Why it matters: The gathering, reportedly in-person at a Marine Corps base in Virginia, has little precedent in scope and scale.

The Washington Post reported hundreds of generals and admirals were summoned, including those in hot spots like the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Invites landed about a week ago.

Split screen: Military and congressional officials contacted by Axios were bewildered by the move and uncertain of Hegseth's intentions. President Trump and Vice President Vance downplayed the hush-hush plans during an Oval Office ceremony Thursday.

"It's actually not unusual at all," Vance said, "and I think it's odd that you guys have made it into such a big story."
"Is it a big story?" Trump replied. "Isn't it a good story?"

The intrigue: Both the Defense Department and White House have secure means to communicate across countries and timezones.

It's unorthodox to ask so many military leaders to leave their stations at the same time.
The DOD did not answer a question from Axios regarding remote participation.

Go deeper: The growing list of military ousters under Trump 2.0

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Hegseth sparks confusion with sudden summons of top generals

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