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“America is under invasion from within. We’re under invasion from within, no different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in many ways, because they don’t wear uniforms,” Trump said.
“I know the overwhelming majority of you feel the opposite. These words make your hearts full.”

US defence secretary Pete Hesgeth (left) and president Donald Trump addressed an auditorium full of top military personnel who flew in from around the world. Source: Getty / Andrew Harnik
‘Unacceptable to see fat generals’
“The era of unprofessional appearance is over. No more beardos,” Hegseth told the audience, which sat in silence.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. Source: Getty / Andrew Harnik
Trump echoed Hegseth’s sentiments, saying the commanders’ positions were “based on merit”.
After his speech, Trump departed the auditorium, and there did not appear to be any one-on-one meeting with the assembled military leaders.
Democrats condemn the military event
“Anyone who talks about their fellow Americans as enemies to be ‘taken out’ is not fit to lead the nation,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, wrote on X.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth stands at attention during an advanced honour cordon at the Pentagon in September. Source: Getty / Anna Moneymaker
The Pentagon has undergone eight months of blistering changes since Trump took office, including firings, banning books from academy libraries and ordering lethal strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela.