Trump Hid Sinister Message in Speech to Generals | The Daily Beast Podcast

Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling joins the Beast’s Hugh Dougherty to unpack the jaw-dropping spectacle at Quantico, where Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth addressed 800 top military leaders. Hertling breaks down how Military brass in the room really reacted when Trump rambled on about “dangerous cities” as training grounds, mocked rules of engagement, and praised a random World War II documentary made in the 50s. Hertling pulls no punches, calling the speeches “berating,” “embarrassing,” and dangerously out of touch with modern military standards. He explains why generals were silent, what U.S. allies and adversaries are thinking, and the legal and constitutional risks of Trump’s orders. From the impact on troop morale to how Russia is exploiting the chaos, Hertling offers an inside look at a Commander-in-Chief unlike any before, and what it means for the military and the nation.

00:00 - Introduction
01:40 - Trump And Hegseth's Speeches Berated And Embarrassed Military Brass
06:14 - Why Humiliating Soldiers Compromises Military Success
08:55 - Trump Deflated By Military Leader's Stoic Response To Speech
12:50 - Why Military Brass Didn't Walk Out During Trump's Speech
13:48 - Trump's Hidden Dark Message In Speech To Military Leaders
16:17 - How Military Leaders Act When They Receive Unlawful Orders
20:04 - Trump's Bizarre Reference To Random Wold War II Documentary
24:15 - What Allies In Europe Are Saying About Trump's Speech
25:35 - How Russia Has Reacted To Trump's Military Speech
30:08 - Why America's Military Strength Can Withstand Most Any Challenge
32:02 - Click 'Join' Button Below, Become A Member Of Our YouTube Channel

👂 Podcast: The Daily Beast Podcast
📺 Episode: 594
🎧 Format: Full Podcast
📅 Date: October 01, 2025
👨‍💼 Guest: Lieutenant General Mark Hertling
🎙️ Host: Hugh Dougherty

#podcast #news #trump

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