President Trump told senior military leaders at Quantico that U.S. forces must help combat “the enemy within,” vowing to use the military and National Guard to police cities like Chicago and San Francisco, fight illegal immigration, and target drug cartels.

He praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s push to roll back diversity measures and enforce strict, gender-neutral combat standards.

Trump suggested unsafe cities could serve as “training grounds” for troops, while also defending airstrikes on suspected traffickers.

The unprecedented gathering of generals and admirals drew a muted response, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Critics, including Sen. Jack Reed, warned Trump’s proposals threaten democratic principles and blur the line between military and civilian authority.