United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a wide-ranging address to senior military leaders, announcing record defence spending and outlining his foreign policy priorities.
The remarks, which extended more than 40 minutes, covered subjects from military expansion to peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as commentary on America’s nuclear edge.
Ahead of the speech, President Trump warned that he would dismiss military leaders “on the spot” if they displeased him, a remark made ahead of an unusual gathering of the armed forces’ top brass in Virginia.
Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for a Marine Corps base, Trump said he would not hesitate to fire generals he disliked.
The meeting in Virginia, described as a rare assembly of senior commanders, featured Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivering remarks calling for a less constrained and less “woke” military.
Record military spending and pay raise
Trump committed to spending more than $1 trillion on the military in 2026, calling it “the most in the history of our country.”
He said the budget will expand the Navy by at least 19 ships next year, including submarines, destroyers, and assault ships, with more planned.
In addition, he announced that military personnel will receive a 3.8% pay raise.
Gaza peace plan ultimatum
Turning to the Middle East, Trump warned that Palestinian militia Hamas will “pay in hell” if it rejects his 20-point Gaza peace plan.
The group was given “three to four days” to respond.
The plan, unveiled a day earlier alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, requires Hamas to disarm, return hostages within 72 hours, and cede authority of the enclave.
Trump noted that the Palestinian Authority had already endorsed the proposal.
Nuclear superiority
Trump claimed that Russia and China lag behind the US in nuclear weapons technology but said they could be “equal” in five years.
He asserted that US submarine technology is 25 years ahead of its rivals and revealed he deployed two nuclear submarines closer to Russia in August after Moscow “used the word ‘nuclear.’”
One submarine, he said, is “lurking” and “totally undetectable.”
“It was really a stupid person … mentioned the word nuclear,” Trump said, adding: “I call it the N-word. There are 2 N-words, and you can’t use either of them.”
Push for Ukraine talks
On Ukraine, Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet directly, saying peace can only be achieved “through strength.”
He claimed his administration had brought negotiations “closer than ever” and that Putin underestimated Ukraine at the start of the war.
Trump drew parallels between Ukraine and Gaza, suggesting progress in the Middle East could signal a wider breakthrough.
“Hamas has to agree,” he said, adding that Israel and regional countries were already on board.
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