President Donald Trump has removed Air Force Gen. CQ Brown from his position as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a move that has surprised many within the Pentagon. Brown, who is only the second Black general to hold this role, has been a respected figure in the military, known for his history-making achievements as a fighter pilot.
Trump's decision to dismiss Brown is seen as part of a broader effort to remove military leaders who advocate for diversity and equity within the armed forces. Despite Brown's 16 months of service as chairman, during which he navigated complex military operations in Ukraine and the Middle East, Trump has chosen to replace him.
In a social media post, Trump expressed gratitude for Brown's decades of service to the country and praised him as a fine gentleman and outstanding leader. The president announced that he is nominating Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as Brown's successor.
Despite Brown's support from key members of Congress and a seemingly positive meeting with Trump in December, where they sat together at the Army-Navy football game, the decision to remove him from his position was made. Brown had been in regular communication with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who recently assumed the top Pentagon role.
The sudden dismissal of Gen. CQ Brown is expected to have significant repercussions within the military establishment, as it raises questions about the future direction of the armed forces under the Trump administration.
