On Tuesday, September 30, Donald Trump met U.S. generals at Quantico, Virginia, declaring a renewed “peace through strength” approach and urging a ruthless stance against internal and external foes.
Meeting at Quantico, Virginia
On Tuesday, September 30, President Trump convened with U.S. Army generals at the Quantico training base in Virginia. He stated that the “peace through strength” approach adopted during his first term had restored respect for the United States among other nations. Trump outlined plans to employ the military further to advance his strategy.
Reference to “External and Internal Enemies”
Trump invoked the phrase “external and internal enemies,” echoing the language of the U.S. flag‑pledge that calls for defending the Constitution and American law against threats both abroad and within the country. He emphasized that U.S. history is replete with military heroes who faced such foes.
Praise for the Military and Historical Precedents
He cited former presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Grover Cleveland, and George Bush as examples who used armed forces to maintain domestic order and peace. Trump maintained that although some criticize military use, “people in cities affected by conflict still love the army.”
Renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War
Trump announced a plan to rename the U.S. Department of Defense the Department of War. He said this change would “fully realize the identity of the Department of War” and that the name was a deterrent to war.
Demand for a Ruthless Approach
Trump urged Americans to be as “ruthless and unyielding” as their enemies, claiming that then the U.S. armed forces would become “completely unbeatable.” He highlighted the threat posed by intelligent, ruthless adversaries who “cannot match us.”
Claim of Ending Seven Wars and Seeking Peace
According to Trump, he has ended seven wars and is now working toward peaceful resolution of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He asserts that these achievements qualify him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Aspiration for the Nobel Peace Prize
Trump stated that the Nobel Peace Prize announcement is due in October and that he believes he deserves the award. He warned that denial of the prize would be an affront to the United States.
