KEY POINTS

President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke Tuesday to many of the nation's top military officers.

The president touted his support of the military — and many of his other controversial policies.

Hegseth echoed his oft-repeated message that merit — not race or gender — will be central in deciding promotions and enacting policies.

Today’s military, said President Donald Trump on Tuesday, is “bringing back a focus on fitness, ability, character and strength.”

Standing in front of a giant American flag, Trump — along with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth — touted the “merit based” direction of the U.S. Armed Forces at an unusual gathering of hundreds of generals and admirals who were summoned to Quantico, Virginia, on short notice.

The purposes of the American mi

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