WASHINGTON, USA — President Donald Trump fired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman CQ Brown Jr., the nation’s highest-ranking military officer, on Friday, February 21, 2025, in a sweeping shake-up of Pentagon leadership.
Brown’s dismissal comes amid Trump’s broader effort to reshape the federal government, which includes plans to cut up to 10% of the federal workforce and overhaul military leadership.
Trump’s Statement and Brown’s Removal
Trump announced Brown’s firing in a Truth Social post, praising his service but signalling a shift in military priorities.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump wrote.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally informed Brown of his dismissal in a call on Friday evening, according to a defence official.
The conversation was described as “cordial,” though Brown was travelling on a domestic trip at the time.
Brown, a fighter pilot and former Air Force Chief of Staff, had served as Joint Chiefs Chairman since October 2023 after being appointed by then-President Joe Biden.
He was the second Black officer to hold the role, following Gen. Colin Powell (1989-1993).
Trump’s Replacement: Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine
Trump has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to replace Brown, describing him as:
“An accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter’ with significant interagency and special operations experience.”
Caine currently serves as associate director for military affairs at the CIA and has held key roles in Operation Inherent Resolve, leading special operations against ISIS in Iraq in 2018 and 2019.
Hegseth praised Caine’s nomination, saying,
“He embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need to meet the moment. Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting, and winning wars.”
Further Military Firings
Brown’s removal is part of a larger purge of top military officials under Trump and Hegseth’s leadership.
The administration also announced the removal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations and Gen. James Slife, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff
Additionally, the administration is seeking replacements for the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Political Reactions: Republicans and Democrats Divided
The firings have drawn mixed reactions from Congress.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) defended Trump’s decision, stating:
“Every president deserves their team when it comes to national security. I’m confident General Caine will be the right person at the right time to take over as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.”
However, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticized the move, calling it part of a “politically charged purge” of experienced military leaders.
“Firing uniformed leaders as a type of political loyalty test, or for reasons relating to diversity and gender that have nothing to do with performance, erodes the trust and professionalism that our servicemembers require to achieve their missions,” Reed warned.
What’s Next?
Trump’s pick, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, will need Senate confirmation to assume the role of Joint Chiefs Chairman.
The process is expected to spark intense debate over Trump’s approach to military leadership and the broader politicization of the armed forces.
With more military changes on the horizon, Trump’s efforts to reshape Pentagon leadership could have lasting implications for U.S. national security and military readiness in the coming years.
