U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth slammed what he called "fat generals" and diversity initiatives, crediting them for decades of decay in the armed forces at a rare meeting with hundreds of top military commanders in Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, told the attending commanders he would crack down on physical fitness and grooming standards, as well as disposing of "woke" policies. The defense secretary and his boss, President Donald Trump, told attendees they have the option to resign if they don't support the agenda.

"It's unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon, and leading all around the world," Hegseth said during his speech. "It's a bad look, and it's not who we are!"

Hegseth added that "every member of the Joint Force at every rank" would be required to take the PT test twice a year at his direction, "as well as meet height and weight requirements twice a year" during every year of service.

'We’re not talking hot yoga and stretching'

Hegseth also criticized the fitness of other military members, saying it is "tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops."

"Whether you're an airborne Ranger or a chairborne Ranger, a brand new private or a four-star general, you need to meet the height and weight standards and pass the PT tests," he said.

Hegseth added, "We’re not talking hot yoga and stretching."

Quantico meeting called on short notice

The gathering at Quantico was called on just a week's notice, with Hegseth mandating all senior commanders at the rank of brigadier general, rear admiral lower half and above to report to the Virginia base around 40 miles south of Washington, USA TODAY reported. Trump revealed days before the meeting that he would also address the generals at the unprecedented gathering.

The audience consisted of men and women of various ages dressed in military uniforms with neat haircuts. Trump during his address threatened to fire top military leaders who might disagree with him.

"If you don't like what I'm saying, you can leave the room," Trump told the packed meeting. "Of course, there goes your rank, there goes your future, but you just feel nice and loose, ok?"

Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Zac Anderson, Davis Winkie/ USA TODAY & Reuters

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch Pete Hegseth criticize 'fat generals' at military summit in Quantico

Reporting by Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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