Egypt Daily News – U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will replace the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles Brown, as part of a broad series of changes in the leadership of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Trump did not provide any explanation for his decision to remove Brown, known as “C.Q.,” less than two years after he assumed a position that typically has a four-year term. The move comes after a series of dismissals in federal institutions and adjustments in government agencies, all within less than a month of the Republican president’s second term in the White House.
Following Trump’s decision, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that he is also working on replacing Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy.
Trump wrote on his social network, Truth Social, “I would like to thank General Charles Brown for his service,” which spanned more than 40 years in the armed forces, praising him as an “outstanding leader.”
Former Democratic President Joe Biden appointed General Brown (63 years old) as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2023, the highest military position in the United States.
Brown became the second African American to hold this position, noting that Trump had appointed him as the Air Force Chief of Staff during his first presidential term (2017-2021). He is a veteran pilot in the U.S. military. Over his career, he commanded a squadron of fighter jets, as well as the Air Forces of the Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the Middle East.
He assumed the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October 2023.
Following the killing of African American George Floyd in 2020 by a white police officer, Brown released an emotional video recounting his personal experiences, including his struggles with discrimination in the military.
Brown said, “I think about my career in the Air Force when I was often the only African American serving in a squadron or the only one in a leadership room as an officer.” He continued, “I think about the pressure I felt to perform without making mistakes, especially from my superiors who expected me to deliver less than others simply because I am African American.”
Meeting in Iraq
The Republican president had pledged upon returning to the White House to dismiss several senior officials, including some in positions that are traditionally considered stable even amid political transitions. Before being confirmed in his position, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had previously proposed the dismissal of General Brown and any other military officials “involved in dirty woke policies.”
In November, Hegseth stated that any senior officer “involved in any diversity, equity, and inclusion policies… must go.” However, last month, he said he was “looking forward to working” with Brown. Dan Kane will replace General Brown. Trump described Kane as a “qualified pilot, national security expert, successful businessman, and warrior with extensive special operations experience.”
On Friday, Trump wrote that Kane will work with Hegseth to “put America first and rebuild our military.” Kane, a retired Air Force general, has held multiple positions, including Assistant Director of the CIA for Military Affairs.
Speaking at a Saudi investment forum in Miami on Wednesday, Trump mentioned meeting Kane during his service in Iraq, saying he was among “a group of handsome individuals who all looked like movie characters.”
He added that Kane told him his military nickname was “Risen,” to which Trump responded, “Wait, your name is Risen Kane? I love you, I’ve been looking for you for five years, this is what I want.”
In another significant Pentagon restructuring, Hegseth announced that he is seeking a replacement for Franchetti, the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy and serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Hegseth said, “I am calling for candidates for the position of Navy Chief and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force,” adding, “The current holders of these positions, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, have distinguished careers. We thank them for their service and dedication to our country.”
The Secretary of Defense did not explain the reasons for the decision.
Franchetti, who has led the Navy since November 2023, previously served on warships, commanded a destroyer, and held the position of Deputy Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe.
