WASHINGTON (AP) — In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has announced his selection of retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine, known by his military call sign "Razin," has a longstanding rapport with Trump, dating back to their meeting in Iraq several years ago. Military officials who have worked alongside Caine describe him as a measured and apolitical leader.
President Trump revealed his decision on Friday night through a social media post, simultaneously announcing the dismissal of Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. Brown's tenure as chairman lasted 16 months, following a notable career as a history-making fighter pilot. This decision comes amid a broader push by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to replace military leaders who have advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the ranks, with a focus now on building a more lethal fighting force.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine retired in December, leaving questions about the process required to recall him to active duty for Senate confirmation. Caine does not meet the typical prerequisites for the position, such as having served as a combatant commander or service chief. However, a 1986 law permits the president to waive these requirements. Chris Miller, who served as Trump's acting secretary of defense, remarked, "I know he's nontraditional, but that's kind of what this administration looks for."
Caine's experience is extensive, having worked with the National Guard and in the private sector. "He's spent time as a citizen-soldier," Miller noted. "The guy's been out, done other things. He brings a perspective that is not traditional for a chairman, which I think will be a breath of fresh air."
Caine's relationship with President Trump began during the latter's first administration. They met during a visit to Iraq, where Trump recalled a conversation with Caine at the 2019 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Caine boldly suggested a more aggressive approach to combatting the Islamic State group, promising rapid results.
Trump's admiration for Caine contrasts with his criticism of current military leadership. In a recent appearance in Miami, Trump praised Caine as a "real general" and lamented the state of military leadership, attributing past failures, such as the situation in Afghanistan, to inadequate top leadership.
Despite Trump's past suggestions of political alignment, sources close to Caine assert his apolitical stance. An official familiar with Caine emphasized, "Gen. Caine doesn't have a MAGA hat. He's never put one on." Caine's career includes leading the military’s Special Access Program Central Office, a role requiring adept navigation of complex congressional interests.
Both Caine and Gen. CQ Brown share a background as F-16 fighter jet pilots. Caine, the son of a fighter pilot, has recently completed an assignment with the CIA. In an episode of "The Afterburn Podcast," Caine shared insights into his military career, emphasizing the deeper significance of serving the country beyond the allure of flying.
As the selection of Dan Caine as the next Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman unfolds, the focus will be on how his unconventional background and perspective will influence the future of the U.S. military under President Trump's administration.
AP National Political Writer Steve Peoples in New York contributed to this report.
