On Friday, the Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking the end of a nearly two-month vacancy in this crucial military position. This appointment follows the controversial firing of Caine's predecessor, Gen. CQ Brown Jr., by President Donald Trump as part of an ongoing effort to reshape military leadership.
President Trump nominated Caine for the role of the top U.S. military officer in February, shortly after dismissing Gen. Brown, who notably served as the second Black general in this prestigious position. The administration's actions have been interpreted as a move against military leaders who advocate for diversity and equity within the ranks. Caine's confirmation came through a 60-25 Senate vote that took place during the early hours, just before the Senate recessed for two weeks.
As a decorated F-16 combat pilot, Caine has held leadership roles in various special operations commands and has been involved in some of the Pentagon's most classified programs, including work with the CIA. However, his appointment raises questions as he does not meet certain prerequisites established by a 1986 law, which typically require the chairman to be a combatant commander or service chief. Despite this, the president has the authority to waive these requirements if deemed necessary for national interest.
Caine's late-night confirmation reflects the rapid advancement of Trump's nominees by the Republican majority, while Democrats have sought to delay proceedings to demonstrate opposition to Trump's policies. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota orchestrated the early morning vote after Democrats attempted to slow down the nomination process.
During his confirmation hearing, Caine assured senators of his commitment to being candid in his advice to Trump and emphasized his intention to remain apolitical. When questioned about a claim that he wore a "Make America Great Again" hat during his initial meeting with Trump, Caine firmly stated, "I have never worn any political merchandise."
In response to a question from Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin about how he would handle orders to direct the military in potentially illegal actions, Caine affirmed, "Senator, I think that’s the duty and the job that I have, yes." This statement underscores his commitment to uphold the law and maintain military integrity.
Caine's relationship with Trump dates back to the president's first administration, during a trip to Iraq. Trump has praised Caine as "a real general, not a television general." In contrast, the former chairman, Gen. Mark Milley, faced a deteriorating relationship with Trump as he worked to prevent politicization of the military, reinforcing the military's oath to the Constitution over allegiance to a president. Following Trump’s inauguration, significant actions were taken against Milley, including the removal of his portrait from the Pentagon and revocation of his security clearance.
The confirmation of Dan Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff represents a pivotal moment in U.S. military leadership during a time of significant political and social change.
