WASHINGTON — In a Sunday interview with NBC News, President Donald Trump confirmed his plans to attend an exceptional gathering organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This event will convene hundreds of senior military officers just outside Washington on Tuesday.

“It’s essentially a pleasant meeting discussing our military achievements, emphasizing our excellent condition, and highlighting numerous positive developments. It’s simply a positive message,” Trump stated in a phone interview with NBC News. “We have some outstanding individuals attending, and it’s just about boosting morale. You know the phrase ‘esprit de corps’? That’s the essence. We’re discussing our activities, their actions, and our collective progress.”

Last week, Hegseth called upon hundreds of high-ranking military leaders stationed globally to gather in Washington for a meeting involving the Pentagon’s key figures.

The meeting will take place at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia, approximately 30 minutes south of Washington. The base is expected to host a large number of military members, including the highest-ranking officers, their assistants, and security personnel.

Senior admirals and generals were not informed beforehand about the purpose of the meeting.

According to a source familiar with the meeting’s plans, the intention is for Hegseth to showcase military triumphs and discuss the future direction of the Defense Department under his leadership. Such communications are usually conveyed to senior military personnel via a memo or secure teleconference.

Trump also praised Hegseth’s plans on Thursday, telling reporters at the White House, “I know, I love it, I mean I think it’s great.”

“Let him engage positively with the top generals and admirals from various parts of the globe,” he continued. “Why should this be viewed negatively? Isn’t it wonderful that people are traveling from all around the world to join us?”

Hegseth also recently worked with the president to rebrand the Department of Defense as the “Department of War” and ordered staffing cuts among high-ranking military officials.

The meeting comes ahead of a potential government shutdown next week. The Trump administration last week warned that it could carry out mass layoffs of federal workers who would usually be furloughed, or temporarily relieved from work, if the government shuts down.

Congressional Republican and Democratic leaders are currently at an impasse ahead of the Sept. 30 government funding deadline, but Trump plans to meet with top congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle at the White House on Monday.