Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Faygo Kid

(21,489 posts)
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 10:44 AM Sep 30

WOW! The generals are having NONE of it!

Trump just walked off the stage to silence, and the generals sat on their hands! God bless you for standing up to him and for the Constitution!

151 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
WOW! The generals are having NONE of it! (Original Post) Faygo Kid Sep 30 OP
They didn't get to where they are by cheerleading traitors. Kid Berwyn Sep 30 #1
Malcolm Nance kinda sorta sums it up... mitch96 Sep 30 #59
Nance speaks for me. Kid Berwyn Sep 30 #61
"Fallujah, Louisiana" - he certainly summed it up well! Native Sep 30 #103
People are saying generals, there are not 800 generals in our military there are 800 Eliot Rosewater Sep 30 #106
They also had the officers principle staff in attendance. reACTIONary Sep 30 #121
You are correct. soldierant Sep 30 #135
Wow indeed. That would be something to see. . . . . nt Bernardo de La Paz Sep 30 #2
I wish we had video. I would love to see it. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #30
...... If there is a Santa Claus ... Tetrachloride Sep 30 #48
Here's what TSF expected to see: yonder Sep 30 #56
uh, oh... NameAlreadyTaken Sep 30 #85
She was probably sent to a re-education camp for that. Dave Bowman Sep 30 #86
... eppur_se_muova Sep 30 #112
Dooplickit yonder Sep 30 #57
Excellent! SheltieLover Sep 30 #3
Great news malaise Sep 30 #4
OMG..reports are that everyone in the audience did what the were supposed to do NCDem47 Sep 30 #5
There is only one "monkee" left. valleyrogue Oct 1 #148
Generals don't applaud, generally. WhiskeyGrinder Sep 30 #6
Yes Kaleva Sep 30 #11
Hope 47 doesn't know this. pat_k Sep 30 #12
Bet Hegseth and Trump didn't know that Raven123 Sep 30 #37
Correct . obnoxiousdrunk Sep 30 #44
Yes, that was explained earlier there are to be NO reactions positive or negative. Proper protocol. Fla Dem Sep 30 #50
If they did applaud, wouldn't they do it generally ? eppur_se_muova Sep 30 #113
can't believe it took this long tbh WhiskeyGrinder Sep 30 #123
Admirably? BidenRocks Sep 30 #130
! nt eppur_se_muova Sep 30 #131
Well, they certainly wouldn't do it privately. Dr. Strange Oct 1 #146
It is very unusual for the brass to clap obamanut2012 Sep 30 #7
I guess Dump realizes he hasn't turned us into North Korea mdbl Sep 30 #14
Yes but every other US institution kisses Trump' ass 24/7. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #34
And you know everything CR* does is for show BaronChocula Sep 30 #79
Yes everything is a scene from the movie playing in his head. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #82
"Movie playing in his head" - Spot on BaronChocula Sep 30 #88
The judge is having a field day with the new Bimbo. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #93
"...his rice paper ego"! calimary Sep 30 #105
Light clapping at the end Maggiemayhem Sep 30 #45
I caught about 20 secs berniesandersmittens Sep 30 #8
Who said this? Trump or Hegseth? Irish_Dem Sep 30 #36
Rump berniesandersmittens Sep 30 #38
You have to be kidding me. This cannot be true he said this to Top Brass. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #39
Here is a link berniesandersmittens Sep 30 #40
Jebus God. Unbelievable. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #43
Video in post #24. Honestly, it does come off as a joke. (n/t) thesquanderer Sep 30 #54
But I'd wager Trump means it. ananda Sep 30 #62
The jokes we tell reveal who we are. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #84
Also, joking and gaslighting can be bully tells. ananda Sep 30 #98
Turnip has never told an actual joke in his life. It's a warning which is thinly disguised as a joke. eppur_se_muova Sep 30 #114
Bullies often pretend their abuse is "just a joke." Irish_Dem Sep 30 #115
It could be what Al Franken referred to as "kidding on the square" Rob H. Sep 30 #102
Where is post # 24? red dog 1 Sep 30 #116
sorry I don't know how to link to a post anymore, with the new platform... thesquanderer Sep 30 #128
from anyone else, maybe Skittles Sep 30 #126
He said that at the beginning- watched it live Pachamama Sep 30 #87
I cannot watch it. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #89
Me too... Pachamama Sep 30 #92
Every day Trump is more of a hated bastard. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #94
F47's speech was a two barf bagger, LastLiberal in PalmSprings Sep 30 #117
I wonder if they feel safe enough to even discuss it. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #119
Both. soldierant Sep 30 #136
Me too. HappyLarge Oct 1 #142
I heard him. It's supposed to be a joke, until it's not. nt Ilsa Sep 30 #90
It'd be really unusual if they did clap or cheer. Kaleva Sep 30 #9
Or if they got up and left. yardwork Sep 30 #35
I think clapping like trained seals will be a direct order. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #41
I agree. They behaved like they were trained to behave. Kaleva Sep 30 #58
The after-meeting collective thought: Totally Tunsie Sep 30 #10
The regime has no clue about what it means to actually be RESPONSIBLE for pat_k Sep 30 #20
He treated them like "Suckers and Losers" Champp Sep 30 #21
Although I began my BlueMTexpat Sep 30 #70
Kegsbreath is on a power trip. StarryNite Sep 30 #13
Kegsbreath was a junior officer Seinan Sensei Sep 30 #25
Yes. Guard Majors are a dime a dozen. MineralMan Sep 30 #53
A major is not a junior officer Wifes husband Sep 30 #64
Major's aren't junior grade DetroitLegalBeagle Sep 30 #118
Secretary shitface went on a bit about fat, out of shape thomski64 Sep 30 #78
I couldn't stand to listen to either of those A-holes. StarryNite Sep 30 #95
Military applaud stuff worth applauding roscoeroscoe Sep 30 #15
Waiting for Jake Tapper SocialDemocrat61 Sep 30 #16
"Don't be fat" democratsruletheday Sep 30 #17
Sounds like they'll honor their oath to the Consitution. Trump must be pissed! Fil1957 Sep 30 #18
Make America 1930s Germany Again IronLionZion Sep 30 #19
Wouldn't it be great if they marched en masse from the meeting to Congress... Reader Rabbit Sep 30 #22
Only about 40 miles. Healthy enough generals should be able to do that march easily IronLionZion Sep 30 #27
I know you're weren't being serious, but just so folks know onenote Sep 30 #74
Right, the base is probably 10 miles across IronLionZion Sep 30 #77
Going with numerous othere posters here. This is pretty much expected behavior, and really doesn't stopdiggin Sep 30 #23
trump orders his generals to give him applause: "I've never walked into a room so silent before. LetMyPeopleVote Sep 30 #24
How many of those guys voted for him? wolfie001 Sep 30 #26
Pedofelon Bonespurs only deserves a straight jacket. Justice matters. Sep 30 #47
When Trump tells this story Diraven Sep 30 #65
"Just have a good time" ? Can anyone explain that to me? Deuxcents Sep 30 #67
Idiot probably thinks they need his permission to applaud, so he was being magnanimous to "allow" it. llmart Sep 30 #138
I hope er'tr seeing the definition of "closing ranks." Warpy Sep 30 #28
US Air Force can't be too happy that Hegseth sent pilots into a possible ambush. Irish_Dem Sep 30 #42
Not to mention, E. Normus Sep 30 #69
It's never appropriate for generals to applaud PSPS Sep 30 #29
WHere are you watching this or seeing reports on it? Amaryllis Sep 30 #31
Trump got a message here. Don't expect the military to enforce a police state for him. patphil Sep 30 #32
I'm hoping these military professionals held a second meeting Dr. T Sep 30 #55
Most will fall in line like everybody else. drray23 Sep 30 #76
This is it in a nutshell BamaRefugee Sep 30 #81
I hope for the sake canetoad Sep 30 #111
Sitting on their hands? Maybe. Standing up to him? No. Cowpunk Sep 30 #33
How did they do that? nt Phoenix61 Sep 30 #75
By literally sitting there and tolerating it. Cowpunk Sep 30 #91
Not really. They sat there because they were ordered to go in haele Sep 30 #99
You have misread the situation. Phoenix61 Sep 30 #108
Hope they give Kegsbreath the death glare too! Jilly_in_VA Sep 30 #46
I wouldn't reads too much into "audience reaction" here. We have no clue how individual audience members think or feel KPN Sep 30 #49
Here's my comment, in deference to Ozzy: D. Spaulding Sep 30 #51
A Jeb Bush once said Frasier Balzov Sep 30 #52
I kept waiting for him to onethatcares Oct 1 #144
I truly hope this will push them toward refusing unlawful orders... CaptainTruth Sep 30 #60
That huge flag behind hogsbreath, Codifer Sep 30 #63
Mutiny! Blue Owl Sep 30 #66
This stunt backfired LetMyPeopleVote Sep 30 #68
"Please clap...". nt SeattleVet Sep 30 #100
Or, "tough crowd tonight" and "hey, is this mic working?" nt JustABozoOnThisBus Sep 30 #133
He said We have 2 N-words and you cant use either of them IcyPeas Sep 30 #71
Recruitment must be getting difficult for the Armed Forces with the ICE mob offering $50k bonus money to GED types. NoMoreRepugs Sep 30 #72
Draft is next n/t gay texan Sep 30 #101
Wow!! Maine Abu El Banat Sep 30 #73
MaddowBlog-Why Pete Hegseth's pitch to generals and admirals was even worse than expected LetMyPeopleVote Sep 30 #80
trump's speech..... Bayard Sep 30 #83
We'll see. I've lost faith and hope. C Moon Sep 30 #96
possible military coup? IzzaNuDay Sep 30 #97
I always had a much better feeling about the officer corps than about any of the other loci of power paulkienitz Sep 30 #104
Thaml you. soldierant Sep 30 #137
I don't know enough about NCO attitudes to have any hunch about them paulkienitz Sep 30 #139
This photo of the Chief of Staff Army (silver hair matches the stars) with the soldierant Sep 30 #140
saw that... but his role is a special case, he hangs out with high officers all day paulkienitz Oct 1 #145
Senior NCOs get there by getting promotions, soldierant Oct 1 #149
They would have done the same if it were any other President DetroitLegalBeagle Sep 30 #107
WWII Battleship yankee87 Sep 30 #109
Silence doesn't seem to me like 'standing up to' The Felon Oeditpus Rex Sep 30 #110
That was the definition of "agressive indifference". SKKY Sep 30 #120
One can only HOPE integrity B.See Sep 30 #122
It was a brilliant speech! Turbineguy Sep 30 #124
Sure, they might follow orders. But after today, the US Military high command despises their CIC. ancianita Sep 30 #125
Hegseth will personally will be giving lessons on how to goose-step CentralMass Sep 30 #127
At least one reporter said they gave him the "death stare" Jilly_in_VA Sep 30 #129
We salute out of mutual respect. BidenRocks Sep 30 #132
The Generals' conduct today ReRe Sep 30 #134
Kick. N/T Upthevibe Sep 30 #141
I wish that Rump and Kegsbreath could be sent to bootcamp for one day and let the drill sergeants I had back in the day LaMouffette Oct 1 #143
These officers are getting a special medal for yesterday LetMyPeopleVote Oct 1 #147
He's practically begging for a very constitutional military "intervention". roamer65 Oct 1 #150
Richard Engel from 2016. Even more applicable now than back then. roamer65 Oct 1 #151

Kid Berwyn

(22,138 posts)
1. They didn't get to where they are by cheerleading traitors.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 10:48 AM
Sep 30

You made my day, Faygo Kid. Thanks from a pal in the Motor City.

Kid Berwyn

(22,138 posts)
61. Nance speaks for me.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:44 PM
Sep 30

Trump's appearance will keep stupid (and smart) soldiers from doing stupid shit.

Eliot Rosewater

(34,282 posts)
106. People are saying generals, there are not 800 generals in our military there are 800
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:27 PM
Sep 30

Flag officers, I’m assuming these were from all four branches military?

3/4 are generals due to the way it works and the rest are admirals I guess I didn’t think they were that many admirals one for that matter generals, but the numbers are limited by rule.

My point is not important now that I look at the numbers, if this is real that they will not go along with the dictatorship I will be happy.

soldierant

(9,044 posts)
135. You are correct.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 08:34 PM
Sep 30

The people who wear one or more starts on their shoulders includes generals and flag officers from all services. And yes, they were all there.

NCDem47

(3,143 posts)
5. OMG..reports are that everyone in the audience did what the were supposed to do
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 10:56 AM
Sep 30

Sat quiet and emotionless during this fiasco. No laugh track. No hootin' and hollerin' No whoo hoos at anti-woke bait.

So Trump and Hegseth want robot killers...but also want them to be rally monkees too??? Does not compute and is incongruent.

pat_k

(12,061 posts)
12. Hope 47 doesn't know this.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:13 AM
Sep 30

Civilian control over the military doesn't mean they serve a political agenda. Yes, they serve the elected leadership and the CONSTITUTION, but the 47 regime will never get the notion that the military' DOES NOT AND MUST NEVER SERVE a political party. They will never be his cheerleaders.

The notion of political neutrality and political non-interference with the military, the treasury, DOJ, FBI, or any other agency, like the labor relations board, is an idea the 47 regime utterly rejects and completely violates. To 47, it is all "MINE! MINE! MINE! MY Military! MY Treasury! MY DOJ! It's all MINE!!!

Fla Dem

(27,192 posts)
50. Yes, that was explained earlier there are to be NO reactions positive or negative. Proper protocol.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:16 PM
Sep 30

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
34. Yes but every other US institution kisses Trump' ass 24/7.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:48 AM
Sep 30

They didn't use to disgrace and abase themselves either.

So it is notable the Top Brass is silent and stone faced.

BaronChocula

(3,568 posts)
79. And you know everything CR* does is for show
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:55 PM
Sep 30

Everything for him is a trump rally so he has his cabinet go around the table and say nice things about him to stroke his rice paper ego. So it would be a complete embarrassment for him to ramble in front of "his generals" and not get a response, even if he knew in advance they would not cheer. What a damaged person.

*CR=Child Rapist

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
82. Yes everything is a scene from the movie playing in his head.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 02:27 PM
Sep 30

He is the main character and only person of import.
The rest of the cast are disposable props.

Yes the generals did not follow the secret script.
He is furious and threatened to fire them all on the spot.

Can you imagine firing the entire US military top command
and consequences to national security.
Trump doesn't give a damn.

BaronChocula

(3,568 posts)
88. "Movie playing in his head" - Spot on
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 02:38 PM
Sep 30

His two staffing priorities are:
1. Loyalty
2. Appearing like "out of Central Casting"

His new U.S. attorney in Virginia looks like she could be in a pageant, but she can't even properly file an indictment.

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
93. The judge is having a field day with the new Bimbo.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 02:44 PM
Sep 30

Bimbo claimed she had no knowledge of certain court documents.
Was clueless about them.

Judge pointed out she had signed each page of the document
in question. Bimbo says Oh.

berniesandersmittens

(12,738 posts)
8. I caught about 20 secs
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:05 AM
Sep 30

T7$& said something to the effect of :
"You can clap or not, you can get up and leave, but if you do you'll lose your rank/job"

Not verbatim, but just wow.

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
84. The jokes we tell reveal who we are.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 02:31 PM
Sep 30

Even if Trump is joking we can see he is a cruel bastard who cares
nothing about the US Military and national security.

eppur_se_muova

(40,310 posts)
114. Turnip has never told an actual joke in his life. It's a warning which is thinly disguised as a joke.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 04:43 PM
Sep 30

I don't think anyone in the maladministration has shown any ability re genuine levity. They're all so grimly committed to their mission of destroying everything they don't like, they just can't let up. It's completely against their nature.

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
115. Bullies often pretend their abuse is "just a joke."
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 04:44 PM
Sep 30

And claims the victims are too stupid to get the joke and are too sensitive.

Rob H.

(5,729 posts)
102. It could be what Al Franken referred to as "kidding on the square"
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:19 PM
Sep 30

Joking but at the same time actually meaning it.

red dog 1

(31,986 posts)
116. Where is post # 24?
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 04:47 PM
Sep 30

I'd like to watch that video, but I've been unable to locate post #24.

thesquanderer

(12,817 posts)
128. sorry I don't know how to link to a post anymore, with the new platform...
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 05:56 PM
Sep 30

... but my understanding is that the issue with seeing post numbers is only on mobile, so if you also have access to Mac or PC, you should be able to see it.

117. F47's speech was a two barf bagger,
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 05:00 PM
Sep 30

I would say I was embarrassed for him. I can't.

I hope the brass use the occasion to discuss among themselves what does "defend the Constitution against enemies, foreign and domestic" really means.

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
119. I wonder if they feel safe enough to even discuss it.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 05:02 PM
Sep 30

If word gets out, they lose their job, rank, pension.

yardwork

(68,324 posts)
35. Or if they got up and left.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:49 AM
Sep 30

They did what they're trained to do. They sat and listened.

I wonder if Hegseth will order them to applaud next time.

Totally Tunsie

(11,351 posts)
10. The after-meeting collective thought:
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:07 AM
Sep 30

"For this I left my command, traveled XX miles in XX hours, and all I'm getting for lunch is a f****** salad!?!"

pat_k

(12,061 posts)
20. The regime has no clue about what it means to actually be RESPONSIBLE for
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:26 AM
Sep 30

... anything from the command of a division of 10,000 to a field army or geographic command of 100,000 or more soldiers, marines, or sailors.

I don't have a clue either, but I have no doubt that these are very busy people who can ill afford to pop off to a hastily organized --- uh -- whatever the hell that was.

Champp

(2,310 posts)
21. He treated them like "Suckers and Losers"
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:30 AM
Sep 30

He has no integrity, no honor,

I feel bad for the military leaders who have honor and integrity

BlueMTexpat

(15,615 posts)
70. Although I began my
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:14 PM
Sep 30

post-university career as a Peace Corps Volunteer, in a later career change, I ended up liaising and working with career officers at the Pentagon for about a three-year period.

Working with the very competent people that I got to know there, I learned NOT to stereotype the military and even now have great respect for those I got to know.

Those in the career military know the true costs of war and will do anything to avoid it. They are NOT the couch warriors that too many of our politicians are, and certainly not draft dodgers like Frump.

StarryNite

(11,900 posts)
13. Kegsbreath is on a power trip.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:14 AM
Sep 30

He must have felt like the biggest man on earth to call a meeting like that. Then of course Dump had to join in. Okay, they did it, now release the Epstein files.

DetroitLegalBeagle

(2,440 posts)
118. Major's aren't junior grade
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 05:00 PM
Sep 30

They are field grade. Junior grade are company level, so O-3 and below.

thomski64

(790 posts)
78. Secretary shitface went on a bit about fat, out of shape
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:51 PM
Sep 30

Officers and soldiers, guess his comments overlooked Fatty Krasnov there on stage with him..

roscoeroscoe

(1,790 posts)
15. Military applaud stuff worth applauding
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:18 AM
Sep 30

Like promotions, awards, etc. No hesitation. Just for contrast.

Reader Rabbit

(2,732 posts)
22. Wouldn't it be great if they marched en masse from the meeting to Congress...
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:30 AM
Sep 30

...and told the Republican reps and senators that the 25th Amendment exists for a reason?

IronLionZion

(50,106 posts)
27. Only about 40 miles. Healthy enough generals should be able to do that march easily
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:45 AM
Sep 30


They are at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia

onenote

(45,728 posts)
74. I know you're weren't being serious, but just so folks know
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:36 PM
Sep 30

It's 50+ miles from Quantico base to the US Capitol and I don't think anyone would expect soldiers to march for dozens of miles on an interstate highway.

stopdiggin

(14,508 posts)
23. Going with numerous othere posters here. This is pretty much expected behavior, and really doesn't
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:30 AM
Sep 30

say anything about the general's politics (or opinion and reaction to Trump's comments)
Just not the way this works.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

LetMyPeopleVote

(171,474 posts)
24. trump orders his generals to give him applause: "I've never walked into a room so silent before.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:33 AM
Sep 30

Donald Trump orders his generals to give him applause: “I've never walked into a room so silent before. Just have a good time. And if you want to applaud, you applaud.”


Justice matters.

(9,001 posts)
47. Pedofelon Bonespurs only deserves a straight jacket.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:08 PM
Sep 30

Looks like they know he is a crazy but dangerous fascist...

General Milley is not the only one who knows that.

Diraven

(1,670 posts)
65. When Trump tells this story
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:54 PM
Sep 30

To the media he'll claim that all the generals and admirals were on their feet clapping for him. I can already guarantee that.

llmart

(16,961 posts)
138. Idiot probably thinks they need his permission to applaud, so he was being magnanimous to "allow" it.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 08:59 PM
Sep 30

He belongs in a freakshow, not in our White House.

Warpy

(114,047 posts)
28. I hope er'tr seeing the definition of "closing ranks."
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:45 AM
Sep 30

Brass have got to be incredibly pissed off at the illegal orders he's given to use the military against US citizens, occu-pying US cities. They know this shit is illegal and they know it's going to create a generation or two of people who won't vote for politicians who call themselves "strong on defense" and who will keep increasing their budget to astronomical levels.

Or they might be bored shitless and just waiting for it to end so they can start drinking, which is the only way they are going to get through the next 3+ years.

Irish_Dem

(76,305 posts)
42. US Air Force can't be too happy that Hegseth sent pilots into a possible ambush.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:56 AM
Sep 30

Flying expensive multimillion dollar aircraft as well.

E. Normus

(104 posts)
69. Not to mention,
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:06 PM
Sep 30

that recruitment is hard enough already. Trump and his rotten apples spoil the whole cart. Young patriots want nothing to do with a fascist run military.

patphil

(8,369 posts)
32. Trump got a message here. Don't expect the military to enforce a police state for him.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:48 AM
Sep 30

Based on their treatment of Trump when he spoke to them, it's more likely these generals would lead a coup before they'd lead a fascist takeover.
Seriously, he's bad mouthed the military time and time again, and then he put an incredibly unqualified person in the job of Secretary of Defense. Did he expect the military leadership to love him for it?

Dr. T

(427 posts)
55. I'm hoping these military professionals held a second meeting
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:29 PM
Sep 30

at an undisclosed location to assess the feasibility of a military coup. Hogsbreath and Donnie would never see it coming because they're too stupid and self-absorbed. The military pros know how to execute a suprise attack. As long as we're going banana republic, let's go all the way.

drray23

(8,453 posts)
76. Most will fall in line like everybody else.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:46 PM
Sep 30

They don't want to lose their careers and pensions. Most of them are right wing , those that are not will be fired.

BamaRefugee

(3,868 posts)
81. This is it in a nutshell
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 02:23 PM
Sep 30

There will be dead civilians lying in the streets.
Kent State Part Duh.
All they need is just ONE guy to pull the trigger, then normalization begins.
And that guy KNOWS he will get a pardon.

canetoad

(19,654 posts)
111. I hope for the sake
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 04:01 PM
Sep 30

Of the US and the whole world that complacency has not overtaken your top military officers.

Cowpunk

(833 posts)
33. Sitting on their hands? Maybe. Standing up to him? No.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 11:48 AM
Sep 30

They showed their willingness to tolerate this insanity.

Cowpunk

(833 posts)
91. By literally sitting there and tolerating it.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 02:41 PM
Sep 30

By staying, they showed they value their positions more than their commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law. That's not what I would call brave.

haele

(14,730 posts)
99. Not really. They sat there because they were ordered to go in
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:08 PM
Sep 30

I'm not saying half, if not most of them wanted to get up and leave, but that's not part of the military discipline that is required to get to that rank. And if they did just up and leave, the GOP has a slate of unqualified Christian Nationalists standing by to take their places. I wouldn't be surprised if Flynn and Prince have Mercenaries and former DoD one star drop-outs ready for a "quick commission" to put in their places.
Flag officers think strategically.
They also know what happens when blindly following stupid or borderline unlawful orders. They also know what happens when there's "crusader officers" who throw bodies at problems instead of thinking things through.
There's other ways of working the system and finding oneself not able to "follow through" with an order - to protect those who trust you to lead and to protect the overall mission.
Reducing the citizen population of the US to a mono-cultural half (the obvious mission of "True Believers" and Project 2025 proponents) is not conducive to the well-being of the country in today's world, no matter how conservative one is. Diversity drives innovation. Not lockstep mind hiving.

Phoenix61

(18,591 posts)
108. You have misread the situation.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:52 PM
Sep 30

Walking out would be abandoning their troops and leaving them to fend for themselves.

KPN

(16,956 posts)
49. I wouldn't reads too much into "audience reaction" here. We have no clue how individual audience members think or feel
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:15 PM
Sep 30

about what they heard today. We can only hope. I'm guessing many of the audience members also do not have a perfect sense of what they think and feel, or how they stand among and compared to others in the room. I'm sure there is a great deal of uncertainty and unease among many in today's audience, but that is all know.

I haven't a clue as to how they will act in response to what they heard. I look forward to hearing the reaction of our recently retired military leaders and how they read the overall situation.

Personally, my over-riding sense is this is the beginning of a purge of disloyal leadership by the fat ass and GI Joe. It's really quite frightening.

D. Spaulding

(423 posts)
51. Here's my comment, in deference to Ozzy:
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:18 PM
Sep 30

"Dept of War Pigs"
by Slack Hegseth

"Generals gathered in their masses
Cause they're led right now by asses.
Watching egos plot disruption,
Threatening them with force reductions

All the wars that are still churning.
while for a Nobel, Trump is yearning.
MAGA's hatred far and wide
Is poisoning their brainwashed minds.
Oh Lord yeah"

onethatcares

(16,922 posts)
144. I kept waiting for him to
Wed Oct 1, 2025, 09:30 AM
Oct 1

lean over the lectern and tell the flag officers about his personal Viet Nam. That would have been a knee slapper..................

CaptainTruth

(7,922 posts)
60. I truly hope this will push them toward refusing unlawful orders...
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:40 PM
Sep 30

...when the 2026 midterm elections come around.

We KNOW Trump will have his thugs out in Democratic areas intimidating people going to the polls to stop the "wrong people" from voting, & he'll probably try to involve the military in other attacks on US citizens before that.

If Hegseth insulted & pissed off our military high command I hope that will make them more inclined to band together & say "NO!" when they're given unlawful unconstitutional orders.

Codifer

(1,104 posts)
63. That huge flag behind hogsbreath,
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 12:48 PM
Sep 30

THAT is totally from the opening scene of "Patton" in which the General shouted his "war ethos".

Hell, why the fuck not. So many of tsf cabinet picks are right out of central casting.

WANTED: The usual suspects for sitcomedy/drama/tragedy.

Buxom but tough women who fly jets and shoot puppies and talk of "big dick energy".

Galoots should be typical handsome with strong jaw, wavy hair, no moral compass, no empathy, no knowledge of truth.

Entire cast is to have absolute loyalty to the director.

High pay plus you can keep what you steal.

No "Wokes" need apply.

IcyPeas

(24,431 posts)
71. He said We have 2 N-words and you cant use either of them
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:25 PM
Sep 30

He was talking about "Nuclear"......

What was the other one President Bonespurs?

He just talked about how great he is.....

How many times did he say "Biden"?

NoMoreRepugs

(11,672 posts)
72. Recruitment must be getting difficult for the Armed Forces with the ICE mob offering $50k bonus money to GED types.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:29 PM
Sep 30

LetMyPeopleVote

(171,474 posts)
80. MaddowBlog-Why Pete Hegseth's pitch to generals and admirals was even worse than expected
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 01:58 PM
Sep 30

Last edited Tue Sep 30, 2025, 05:21 PM - Edit history (1)

Did the secretary bring generals and admirals in from around the world so he could treat them like a CPAC audience? Actually, yes, he did.

Why Pete Hegseth’s pitch to generals and admirals was even worse than expected

flip.it/GIAS0g

(@gypsydaveh.bsky.social) 2025-09-30T16:25:32.516Z

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/pete-hegseth-speech-generals-admirals-rcna234674

But having heard the secretary’s remarks, he proved to be even worse than expected. Reuters reported:

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth slammed ‘fat generals’ and diversity initiatives that he said led to decades of decay in the military and told a rare gathering of commanders on Tuesday they should resign if they don’t support his agenda. ‘Foolish and reckless political leaders set the wrong compass heading and we lost our way. We became the “Woke Department,”’ Hegseth said as he kicked off the event in Quantico, Virginia. ‘But not anymore,’ he said.


Choosing the worst moment from Hegseth’s bizarre and unnecessary speech is admittedly challenging. Was it his boasts about firing qualified military leaders? Or maybe his condemnation of diversity initiatives and climate change as “s---” that the military will no longer care about?.....

Maybe the lowest of the low points was Hegseth’s comment that seemed to open the door to a new attitude toward war crimes. “We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy. We also don’t fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt, and kill the enemies of our country,” he declared. “No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement.”

Hegseth: "We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy. We also don't fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt, and kill the enemies of our country. No more politically correct and overbearing rules of engagement."

Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-09-30T13:06:31.204Z


In other words, Hegseth spent millions of taxpayer dollars to bring generals and admirals in from around the world so that he could treat them like a CPAC audience.

As for those in attendance who might’ve been uncomfortable with the secretary’s absurdities, he extended some advice to them, too. “If the words I’m speaking today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign,” Hegseth said.

paulkienitz

(1,472 posts)
104. I always had a much better feeling about the officer corps than about any of the other loci of power
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:26 PM
Sep 30

such as the cops, or the courts. I think they'll remember their oaths pretty well.

soldierant

(9,044 posts)
137. Thaml you.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 08:44 PM
Sep 30

But I would add the senior NCOs are a force also, possiblty in some ways even more so than the general/flag officers. (Since NCO stands for Non-Commissioned Officer, you may have already been including them, but not everyone always does.)

soldierant

(9,044 posts)
140. This photo of the Chief of Staff Army (silver hair matches the stars) with the
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 09:37 PM
Sep 30

Sergeant Major of the Army (highest ranking enlisted) may give you a little of an idea.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220686401

soldierant

(9,044 posts)
149. Senior NCOs get there by getting promotions,
Wed Oct 1, 2025, 09:23 PM
Oct 1

starting with the promotion from Private tp Private First Class. About the time they gt through Corporal and Sergeant to Staff Sergeant, part of their duties include liaison between people junior to them and officers. The higher up they go, the higher up the officers are, and the more junioe enlisted they are responsible to. I doubt whether there is a time when the needsof junior enlisted are not in their minds.

And no matter one's rank, one in the military shares the same two goals:
1. Accomplish the Mission
2. Attend to the welfare of the troops.

DetroitLegalBeagle

(2,440 posts)
107. They would have done the same if it were any other President
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:50 PM
Sep 30

Protocol for them is non reaction to basically everything except for apolitical things. Especially if its on camera and during an event with elected officials.

Oeditpus Rex

(42,979 posts)
110. Silence doesn't seem to me like 'standing up to' The Felon
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 03:56 PM
Sep 30

It's highly unusual as far as we know, perhaps even unprecedented. But, they need to follow it with some sort of action, such as a joint statement of their own.

Turbineguy

(39,514 posts)
124. It was a brilliant speech!
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 05:28 PM
Sep 30

It reminded everyone to hang with the Constitution and not to sign on with Droopy Diaper.

Jilly_in_VA

(13,297 posts)
129. At least one reporter said they gave him the "death stare"
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 06:06 PM
Sep 30

My husband is a Marine brat and says he has experienced said "death stare" personally from a colonel and would not wish to experience it from even ONE general, let alone a roomful of them.

BidenRocks

(2,390 posts)
132. We salute out of mutual respect.
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 07:23 PM
Sep 30

We stare because making eye contact is a distraction and a sign of weakness.

Are You Eye Fu****g Me?!

We learned quickly.

ReRe

(12,089 posts)
134. The Generals' conduct today
Tue Sep 30, 2025, 08:29 PM
Sep 30

is the first ray of hope that I've seen since Jan 20 2025. I hope they all have safe trips back to their stations.

LaMouffette

(2,530 posts)
143. I wish that Rump and Kegsbreath could be sent to bootcamp for one day and let the drill sergeants I had back in the day
Wed Oct 1, 2025, 08:45 AM
Oct 1

have at them. Those brilliant, professional, and scary-as-hell men and women would have had them crying within one minute.

The sheer buffoonery on display yesterday was unprecedented and simply beyond belief. When Rump begged the generals to applaud for him, I gasped out loud. When he said they could do anything they wanted, even get up and leave, but if they did they would lose their rank, their future, I was stunned beyond words. The only thing more shocking to me is that Rump did not fire them all at that point, but wait, he is too much of a chicken shit to fire anyone in person, let alone a room full of military men and women, each of whom could easily kick his ass.

When will this national nightmare end.

roamer65

(37,805 posts)
150. He's practically begging for a very constitutional military "intervention".
Wed Oct 1, 2025, 09:47 PM
Oct 1

The military can step in at some point via their oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution”.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»WOW! The generals are hav...