The Washington Post, which first reported the gathering, later reported that the purpose of the meeting was for the generals to hear Hegseth deliver a speech on military standards and the “warrior ethos.”

The meeting comes amid concern over Trump’s increasing use of the military for domestic purposes in his second term. In recent months, he has deployed troops to cities across the country, raising concerns about the stifling of dissent against his unpopular government.

Trump announced on Saturday that he had directed the Pentagon to send troops to “protect” Portland, Oregon, adding that he was authorizing “full force, if necessary.”