President Donald Trump has removed General CQ Brown Jr. from his position as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. This decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restructure the federal government, including plans to reduce the federal workforce by up to 10%.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish him and his family the best for the future.”
A Sudden Dismissal
Brown, a decorated fighter pilot, had served in the role since October 2023 after being nominated by former President Joe Biden. He was the second Black officer to hold the position, following General Colin Powell, who served from 1989 to 1993.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Brown on Friday evening to inform him of his dismissal. The conversation was described as “cordial,” according to a defense official. Brown was traveling at the time, making a stop at the U.S.-Mexico border when he received the call.
A Controversial Replacement
Trump has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as Brown’s replacement. Caine, a seasoned pilot and national security expert, has experience in special operations and previously worked at the CIA. He also played a key role in Operation Inherent Resolve, a military campaign against ISIS in Iraq.
Hegseth praised Caine, calling him a strong leader with the right mindset to guide the military in the current global landscape. “Under President Trump, we are bringing in new leadership focused on our military’s core mission: deterring, fighting, and winning wars,” Hegseth said.
More Military Leaders Dismissed
Along with Brown’s removal, Hegseth also announced the dismissal of two other top military leaders:
- Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations
- Gen. James Slife, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force
Hegseth has requested new nominations for their replacements, as well as for the top legal officers (Judge Advocates General) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Political Reactions
The decision has sparked mixed reactions in Washington.
Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, thanked Brown for his years of dedicated service. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, voiced support for Trump’s decision, saying that every president deserves to have a military team that aligns with their vision.
However, Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island, strongly criticized the move. He warned that firing military leaders for political reasons could weaken trust in the armed forces. “The U.S. military is the strongest in the world,” Reed said. “But removing leaders as a political loyalty test undermines professionalism and mission readiness.”
Trump’s military shake-up signals a significant shift in leadership, with more changes likely to follow.
