President Trump unexpectedly dismissed Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown from his position as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, removing a groundbreaking fighter pilot and respected leader amid a campaign to eliminate military leaders advocating for diversity and equity.
The removal of Brown, only the second Black general to serve in this role, is likely to create significant unrest within the Pentagon. His tenure of 16 months was largely focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
“I want to extend my gratitude to General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of dedicated service to our country, including his time as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an exceptional leader, and I wish him and his family all the best in the future,” Mr. Trump shared on social media.
Mr. Trump has indicated that he plans to nominate Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as his successor.
Despite key congressional support for Brown and a seemingly amicable meeting with him last December, where they were seated together at the Army-Navy football game, Mr. Trump made this move. Brown had been holding regular discussions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who assumed his position just four weeks ago.
