The US Department Defense on Thursday called on its senior military officers from all over the world to fly home for a meeting in the city of Quantico, Virginia that will take place next week.

It was not immediately clear why Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth called the rare gathering with such urgency, causing speculation and some criticism about the move. 

"Why is that such a big deal?... Remember, I'm the President of peace," US President Donald Trump told members of the media in the Oval Office.

Purpose of meeting not yet known

There are some 800 generals and admirals of all ranks in the US military, in command of military personnel, stationed at bases across the world.

"People are scrambling to change their plans and see if they have to attend," one US official told Reuters, speaking anonymously.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that "the Secretary of War will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week," without responding to questions about the purpose of the meeting.

The Trump administration has downplayed the significance.

"I love it. I mean, I think it's great," Trump said in the Oval Office, when asked about the news.

"Let him be friendly with the generals and admirals from all over the world," Trump added.

Vice President JD Vance also lowered expectations, telling reporters that it was "actually not unusual at all."  

Trump administration seeks to reshape department

Secretary Hegseth has had a major impact on the inner workings of the agency and on US defense policy, from changing the name of the agency from "defense" to "war" department, to shedding staff.

In May, Hegseth ordered a reduction of 20% of its four-star general officers, as well as an additional 10% personnel cut from all general and flag officers across the force.

Hegseth also instructed the National Guard to shed 20% of its top jobs.

The Trump administration has also sought to root out diversity initiatives the president sees as discriminatory.

Hegseth has employed controversial policies like banning transgender people from serving in the military.

Edited by: Kieran Burke