“General Caine is an accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter’ with significant interagency and special operations experience.”
President Donald Trump has nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announcing the decision Friday night on Truth Social.
"General Caine is an accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter' with significant interagency and special operations experience,” Trump wrote.
Trump credited Caine for playing a key role in the defeat of ISIS during his first term. "It was done in record setting time, a matter of weeks. Many so-called military ‘geniuses’ said it would take years to defeat ISIS," Trump said. "General Caine, on the other hand, said it could be done quickly, and he delivered."
The president also noted that Caine had previously been “highly qualified” for promotion but was “passed over” under the Biden administration.
“But not anymore! Alongside Secretary Pete Hegseth, General Caine and our military will restore peace through strength, put America First, and rebuild our military,” Trump added. “Finally, I have also directed Secretary Hegseth to solicit nominations for five additional high level positions, which will be announced soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also released a statement praising Caine’s nomination, saying he “embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need to meet the moment.”
In addition to Caine’s nomination, Hegseth announced that the administration is requesting nominations for other key military leadership positions, including Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. “The incumbents in these important roles, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers. We thank them for their service and dedication to our country,” Hegseth stated.
“Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars,” Hegseth added.
Hegseth has previously criticized the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr, in his book, "The War on Warriors." According to Fox News, Hegseth claimed that Brown “built his generalship dutifully pursuing the radical positions of left-wing politicians, who in turn rewarded him with promotions." Hegseth also accused Brown of making “the race card one of his biggest calling cards."
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
