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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walks along the Colonnade before President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington.

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Hegseth announces a new drone command and cuts to 20% of generals in 'State of the Force' speech

Hegseth announces a new drone command and cuts to 20% of generals in 'State of the Force' speech

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is announcing some major changes to the U.S. military in what he calls his “State of the Force” address. They include establishing a new drone command and cutting 20% of the nation’s generals and admirals. He says the Pentagon will launch an effort to study the future of warfare that will be led in part by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Hegseth also says the Defense Department will create an Office of Religious Affairs and plans to build a new base for the first time in 40 years. He made the announcements Wednesday when speaking to junior officers and enlisted leaders at the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.