Donald Trump is addressing an extraordinary gathering of hundreds of US generals and admirals who were summoned from around the world.
Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary, called the meeting last week, without providing an explanation.
Speaking to reporters before the event, the US president warned of a possible overhaul in the military and upcoming dismissals. “If I don’t like somebody I am gonna fire them on the spot,” he said.
Military officials and historians say the event is unprecedented in size and scope.
Speaking ahead of Mr Trump at a marine base in Virginia, Mr Hegseth gushed about “warrior ethos,” one of his favourite subjects, and vowed that the military would have “no more climate change worship, no more division, distraction or gender delusions.
