ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a dramatic shake-up of US military leadership, President Donald Trump on Friday fired Air Force General CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and dismissed five other top admirals and generals. This unprecedented move sent ripples through the Pentagon, signaling a broader overhaul as Trump seeks to reshape the military’s command structure.
Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, stating that he would nominate retired Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine to replace Brown, marking the first time in history a retired officer would return to become the nation’s top military leader. The shake-up also includes replacing Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the US Navy, and reshuffling the Air Force’s vice chief of staff. Additionally, the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy, and Air Force—key positions ensuring military justice—are being removed.
The upheaval comes amid ongoing changes at the Pentagon, which is already grappling with mass firings of civilian staff, potential budget restructuring, and shifts in military deployment strategy as part of Trump’s “America First” foreign policy.
While leadership changes are common with new administrations, military leadership is traditionally expected to be apolitical, tasked with executing the policies of any elected president. Brown, the second Black officer to hold the prestigious position of chairman, was expected to serve until September 2027. Sources indicate that Brown was relieved of duty effective immediately, even before the Senate confirms his successor.
The decision to fire Brown and other top leaders has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers, with Senator Jack Reed (RI), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, condemning the move. “Firing uniformed leaders based on political loyalty or for reasons unrelated to performance undermines the trust and professionalism that our servicemembers need,” he said.
Representative Seth Moulton (MA) echoed these concerns, calling the firings “un-American” and claiming they jeopardize national security. “This is the definition of politicizing our military,” he added.
Trump’s dismissal of top military figures has been anticipated for months, especially after his comments during last year’s presidential campaign about removing “woke” generals. The president did not elaborate on his reasons for firing Brown, but expressed gratitude for Brown’s 40 years of service. “He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader,” Trump wrote.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, an outspoken critic of diversity initiatives within the military, has long been skeptical of Brown’s appointment. In a recent book, Hegseth questioned whether Brown’s race played a role in his promotion to Chairman. Brown, a distinguished former fighter pilot, has been open about his experiences with discrimination in the military, notably sharing a personal video after the death of George Floyd in 2020.
This latest shake-up also includes the dismissal of Admiral Franchetti, who had made history as the first woman to lead the Navy. Franchetti’s leadership came after a surprising nomination by President Joe Biden in 2023, defying expectations that Admiral Samuel Paparo would take the position.
Trump’s sweeping changes are a continuation of his administration’s efforts to reshape military leadership. Last month, former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, who served during Trump’s presidency and became a vocal critic after his retirement, had his security detail and clearance revoked. His portrait was also removed from Pentagon walls.
As the Pentagon faces these seismic shifts, the military’s future direction under Trump remains uncertain, with concerns over the politicization of the armed forces and its impact on national security.
