US President Trump Fires Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and Top Military Leaders
US President Donald Trump has dismissed General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant shake-up in the country’s top military leadership. Trump expressed gratitude for General Brown’s over 40 years of service but confirmed that five other senior military officers were also being replaced, including two senior officials later announced by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: Chief of Naval Operations Adm Lisa Franchetti and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen Jim Slife. All three had been appointed by President Joe Biden.
Key Points:
- Dismissal of Gen CQ Brown: General Brown, the second Black officer to serve as Chairman, was removed following criticism from Hegseth about his “woke” focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the military.
- New Military Leadership: Trump announced he would nominate Air Force Lt Gen Dan Caine, a former F-16 pilot, to replace General Brown. Caine previously served as CIA associate director for military affairs.
- Diversity and Inclusion Concerns: Hegseth and Trump have criticized what they consider an excessive focus on diversity in the military, with Trump referencing the military as “woke at the top.” Gen Brown had made headlines for his public stance on race after George Floyd’s death.
- Court Ruling on Diversity Programs: A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s orders to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the military, citing potential violations of free-speech rights.
Trump’s administration also revealed plans to cut the Pentagon’s budget and lay off 5,400 probationary employees. This comes amid broader discussions about military reforms, particularly around diversity initiatives, which Trump and his team have promised to “course correct.”
