President Donald Trump’s speech to military leaders at Quantico once again made him appear unserious. US generals are loyal to the Constitution, not the president. Trump treated them to a campaign speech. They responded with silence, and after the speech, some hinted that his address was disjointed and disturbing.

For openers, Trump made references to an “enemy within,” which suggests that his opponents are adversaries of the United States because they are critical of his government. He also meandered, stating that the army could be politically beneficial as if the military were his personal guard. Again, instead of making an argument of why the military should change, he once more delivered a screed replete with insults, even making personal asides about their weight and how they dressed.

Next to foreign policy, the military is the most intellectually taxing. It does have elements of theatrics, but he does not spell out clearly why the military should be reformed. He wants dessert before he has devoured the meal. Yes, George Patton of World War II fame struck a heroic pose, but he also knew how to handle the Third Army in France. Military policy is not all about toughness; it is about skill and expertise. Mistakes can haunt a nation for years. Again, Trump might have valid arguments, but his demeanor does not help him even a little bit.

To advocate the use of troops in cities to make them “proving grounds” is dangerous. To advocate for responsible reforms is one thing; declaring war on localities is quite another. In contrast, Trump is far more cautious in foreign policy. He is careful, intriguing, and calculating in this department. Yes, he can be intemperate in his language, but generally, on foreign policy, he is prudent. With military policy, he and Pete Hegseth have proposed that a “warrior ethic” be restored. Some of these ideas have merit. However, they all get lost due to irresponsible rhetoric.

Richard Nixon encountered similar problems at press conferences when he gave impromptu remarks. He used his vice president Spiro Agnew to denounce “nattering nabobs of negativism” and other “enemies” of the administration. For himself, Nixon’s speechwriting team was one of the best in presidential history. Pat Buchanan, Ray Price, William Safire, and Vic Gold could craft addresses that Nixon superbly delivered. One gets the impression that Trump loves to wing his speeches rather than transmit his views in a cool and reasoned manner.

Trump, when he chooses to, can clearly articulate his positions. But the retribution campaign has knocked him off course. He needs to be specific and clear, a trait that he has mostly displayed in foreign policy and his dealings on the border, as well as in his numerous vendettas. Trump needs to be more professional and responsible.