Government shutdown updates: Leavitt says Trump exploring cutting aid to Portland

Trump told top-ranking generals and admirals that the Department of Defense's purpose is "not to protect anyone's feelings" but to "protect our country," saying everyone is "based on merit."

"We're not going to have someone take your place for political reasons. We take the people who are going to do the best job," Trump said.

His comments echoed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's earlier remarks discussing the department's new physical and grooming standards.

During Trump's speech to top-ranking generals and admirals, he pivoted his conversation several times to discuss the alleged violence in inner cities, saying firemen and police officers have "people shooting at them."

Trump comments come after he directed troops to Portland, Oregon, because of what he alleged were threats from domestic terrorists, and has threatened to send them to others.

While speaking to top-ranking generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia, Trump said he is "very proud of our military" and addressed the Department of Defense's name change to the Department of War.

"If you don't like what I'm saying, you can leave the room," Trump said.

He said Democrats, who he called "bad people," have "given up" on their backlash to the name change.

Toward the end of his speech to top-ranking generals and admirals, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said those listening should "take this guidance and run with it."

"If the words I'm speaking today are making your heart sink, you should resign," Hegseth said on Tuesday.

He added that the department's job is to "ensure our military is led by the very best, ready to answer the nation's call."