President Donald Trump announced on Friday the dismissal of General Charles “C.Q.” Brown from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he had held since 2023. Brown’s removal marks a significant shift in military leadership as Trump also revealed his nomination of Lieutenant General John D. Caine to succeed him.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude for Brown’s over 40 years of military service, highlighting his leadership qualities and wishing him well in his future endeavors. Brown had previously served as the chief of staff of the Air Force, a position to which Trump appointed him in 2020 before he became chairman.
Lieutenant General John D. Caine, who is currently the CIA’s associate director for military affairs, has been nominated to take over Brown’s position. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the nomination, stating that Caine would serve as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.
Hegseth also mentioned that the administration is seeking new nominations for key military positions, including Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, currently held by Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively. He acknowledged their distinguished careers and contributions to the military.
This leadership change comes as part of Trump’s broader strategy to realign military leadership to focus on core missions, including deterrence and combat readiness. As the administration moves forward with these nominations, it signals a potential shift in military priorities under Trump’s leadership.
