**Trump Selects Dan Caine as New Joint Chiefs Chairman Amid Major Military Leadership Changes**
In a significant move, President Donald Trump announced his selection of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This decision was shared in a social media post on Friday, coinciding with the dismissal of Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., who had been in the position for 16 months and was noted for his historic achievements as a fighter pilot.
Caine has garnered a reputation for being a measured and apolitical figure amongst his peers. His relationship with Trump began during a visit to Iraq years ago, where he earned the nickname “Razin.” The decision comes amidst changes in military leadership, as Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are evidently purging officers who have championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within the armed forces, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing military lethality.
Although Caine retired from active duty in December, it remains uncertain what process would be necessary to reinstate him for Senate confirmation. Notably, he does not meet traditional prerequisites for the role, including holding the position of a combatant commander or service chief, although legislation from 1986 does allow presidents the authority to waive these requirements.
Chris Miller, who served as Trump’s last acting defense secretary, acknowledged Caine’s unconventional qualifications, saying, “I know he’s nontraditional, but that’s kind of what this administration looks for.” He praised Caine’s extensive experience, which includes time in the National Guard and the private sector, providing him with diverse insights that could offer a fresh perspective.
The pair first connected during Trump’s initial term. Trump recounted during a 2019 speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) how he challenged Caine on the timeline for defeating the Islamic State group. Caine had reportedly told Trump that a swift defeat was possible, suggesting that with appropriate strategic maneuvers, their forces could strike decisively.
The question looms over whether Trump is prioritizing loyalty in his selection for the Joint Chiefs chairman role. During a recent Miami engagement, Trump praised Caine, contrasting him with existing military leaders whom he criticized. “General ‘Razin’ Caine was — he’s some general. He’s a real general, not a television general,” Trump stated, reiterating his dissatisfaction with military leadership perceived as ineffective in recent international scenarios.
Despite Trump’s previous indications that Caine might be aligned politically, those close to Caine affirm his commitment to remaining apolitical. A military officer who has worked alongside him clarified that Caine has never adhered to the political sway often associated with military figures in public forums.
Miller underscored Caine’s capabilities, noting his leadership over a critical and complex military program overseeing foreign interactions regarding classified weapons information. This renowned position requires a deftness in navigating a maze of congressional interests and stakeholder demands in the defense sector.
Caine’s background includes a shared legacy of aviation, as both he and his father flew fighter jets, including the F-16. Recently, he finished an assignment with the CIA and has actively participated in discussions about military service. In a recent podcast, he emphasized the profound commitment that comes with serving, encouraging younger generations to cherish their roles in defending the country.
Overall, as Trump pushes to reshape military leadership amidst his administrative transition, the selection of Dan Caine signals a new direction that prioritizes loyalty and operational effectiveness over traditional pathways.
