In a major shake-up of military leadership, President Donald Trump has dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as his replacement. The move, announced in a Truth Social post on Friday, marks a significant shift in Pentagon leadership early in Trump’s second term.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Trump wrote. “He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family.”
Brown, only the second African American to hold the role, was appointed chairman in 2023. His successor, Caine, still requires Senate confirmation. Trump praised Caine during a speech at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami on Wednesday, calling him a “real general, not a television general,” and lauded his combat experience and leadership in special operations.
Wider Pentagon Overhaul
Brown is not the only top military leader to be replaced. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the dismissal of other high-ranking officials, including Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Jim Slife and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Franchetti, the first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was relieved of her post as the administration seeks new leadership for the roles.
“I am also requesting nominations for the positions of Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff,” Hegseth said Friday. “The incumbents in these important roles, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers. We thank them for their service and dedication to our country.”
Additionally, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan was removed from her position just one day into Trump’s second term.
Hegseth also announced the firing of judge advocates general for the Navy, Army, and Air Force, though he did not specify reasons for their dismissal.
Targeting DEI Policies
The firings align with statements Hegseth made before taking office, in which he criticized military leadership tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In a November podcast appearance, he signaled that senior officials involved in such programs would be removed.
“But any general that was involved — general, admiral, whatever — that was involved in any of the DEI woke s‑‑‑ has got to go,” Hegseth said at the time. “Either you’re in for warfighting, and that’s it. That’s the only litmus test we care about.”
Pentagon Workforce Cuts
The leadership overhaul comes amid broader changes to the Pentagon’s workforce. The Defense Department plans to cut more than 5,000 civilian employees currently on probationary status beginning next week. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Darin Selnick confirmed the move, which is part of an effort to reduce the military’s civilian workforce by up to 8%.
A hiring freeze is also in effect as the Pentagon reviews staffing and performance standards.
“Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting, and winning wars,” Hegseth said Friday.
Looking Ahead
