President Trump has removed General CQ Brown, the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. military, as part of a broader overhaul of military leadership. Citing a need to refocus on core military missions, Trump also dismissed several other leaders appointed by his predecessor, Joe Biden, amid criticism of diversity initiatives in the military.
Trump Reshapes Military Leadership with Dismissal of General CQ Brown
Trump Reshapes Military Leadership with Dismissal of General CQ Brown
In a controversial move, President Trump has fired General CQ Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with several other top military officials, signaling a shift in military priorities.
President Trump has fired General Charles 'CQ' Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant shift in U.S. military leadership. Announcing the dismissal on social media, Trump expressed gratitude for Brown's over 40 years of service while stating that five other top officers are also being replaced. General Brown, noted for being the second Black officer to hold the prestigious position, was targeted for his focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the military, as indicated by Trump's Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Friday's shake-up included the removal of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Jim Slife. These changes fall in line with Hegseth's previous comments advocating for a shift away from what he termed a "woke" agenda at the top levels of military leadership.
In announcing a replacement for General Brown, Trump plans to nominate Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, who has a background as a career F-16 pilot and has served as the CIA associate director for military affairs. Trump's comments at a recent conference highlighted his admiration for Gen. Caine, calling him a standout figure during their first meeting in Iraq.
General Brown's departure comes as he was visiting troops at the U.S.-Mexico border, just hours before the announcement. Rumors regarding his dismissal had circulated, particularly as his term was scheduled to continue until 2027. Brown previously gained national attention in 2020 for discussing the pressures he faced as one of the few Black leaders in the military and his efforts to increase diversity within its ranks.
Amid the leadership changes, the Pentagon announced plans to reduce its budget and lay off about 5,400 probationary employees, a measure expected to take effect next week. However, a recent court ruling has temporarily blocked Trump’s directives relating to diversity programs, indicating ongoing legal challenges regarding his administration’s approach to military diversity policies.
