President Donald Trump has initiated a major shake-up at the Pentagon, announcing the dismissal of General CQ Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. military. In a social media post, Trump expressed gratitude for General Brown's four decades of service, but also shared that he would replace him and five other senior officers, influencing the direction of military leadership.
General Brown was notably the second black officer to ever hold the Chair position, which involves advising both the president and the Secretary of Defense on matters of national security. The decision follows previous comments from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had criticized Brown's emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the military.
In addition to General Brown, Trump also removed Chief of Naval Operations, Adm Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen Jim Slife. All three officers had been appointed during President Joe Biden's administration. Hegseth emphasized the need for new leadership that aligns with Trump's focus on the military's core mission of deterring, fighting, and winning wars.
Trump is expected to nominate Air Force Lt Gen Dan Caine, a seasoned pilot and former CIA associate for military affairs, to take over as Chairman. Last year at a Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump reminisced about meeting Gen Caine in Iraq, remarking on his impressive appearance.
The timing of the announcement is notable as General Brown had been visiting U.S. troops at the southern border just hours earlier. Rumors about his potential dismissal had circulated, despite his term being set to run until 2027. General Brown had previously gained attention for addressing racial issues within the military after George Floyd’s death, expressing the unique pressures experienced as a black officer.
Prior to his confirmation, Hegseth had suggested that Trump needed to take decisive action against the military’s diversity initiatives, which he viewed as problematic. Meanwhile, despite the administration's plans, a federal court has temporarily blocked Trump from enforcing bans on diversity programs, citing potential violations of the First Amendment rights.
As the Pentagon announces budget cuts and layoffs of over 5,000 employees next week, the military will experience a significant restructuring under Trump's leadership.
