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Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing him with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine. The decision marks a major shift in military leadership amid broader changes at the Pentagon.
Trump Thanks Brown, Announces Successor
Trump announced Brown’s removal via a post on TruthSocial, acknowledging his “over 40 years of service” and calling him an “outstanding leader.” Brown, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023, was the first Black man to serve as Air Force chief and later as chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, Trump’s pick to replace Brown, is described as an accomplished pilot, national security expert, and “warfighter” with special operations experience. Trump credited Caine with playing a key role in the defeat of ISIS.
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Pentagon Leadership Overhaul
The shake-up extends beyond Brown’s dismissal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, recently confirmed by the Senate, also announced the removal of several top officials:
- Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy, was replaced by Vice Chief Adm. James Kilby.
- Gen. James Slife, the Air Force’s vice chief of staff, was also dismissed.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, criticized the move, calling it a “politically motivated purge” that could harm military professionalism.
Pentagon Workforce Cuts
In addition to leadership changes, the Pentagon is planning a large-scale workforce reduction. About 5,400 probationary employees will be laid off next week as part of an effort to cut government spending. The Department of Defense is also proposing an 8% budget cut annually over the next five years, amounting to $50 billion per year.
With these dramatic shifts, Trump’s administration is making its mark on the military, prioritizing efficiency, national security, and loyalty among top commanders. – BBC