Trump picks Dan ‘Razin’ Caine as new joint chiefs of staff chairman after firing CQ Brown

President Donald Trump has dismissed General Charles “CQ” Brown from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, nominating Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine as his replacement.

Who is Dan Caine?

Caine, a former three-star general in the U.S. Air Force, gained recognition for his bold assertion that ISIS could be eliminated in a week. Trump praised him as a “national security expert, accomplished pilot, and warfighter” with extensive experience in special operations and interagency collaboration.

Trump and Caine’s History

The two first met in Iraq in 2018, when Caine, then the deputy commander of a special operations task force, briefed Trump on the rapid defeat of ISIS. Trump has since described him as a “real general, not a television general.”

Unconventional Nomination

Unlike previous Joint Chiefs chairmen, Caine has never led a combatant command or a military branch, both traditionally required for the position. However, federal law allows the president to bypass these prerequisites if deemed necessary for national interest.

Political Reactions

The move has sparked debate, with some Democrats accusing Trump of politicizing the military. Representative Seth Moulton labeled the decision “un-American,” while former Obama-era diplomat Michael McFaul called it “awful.” Conversely, Republicans have lauded Caine’s appointment, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating, “General Caine embodies the warfighter ethos and is exactly the leader we need.”

Caine’s Military Background

A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Caine has logged over 2,800 flight hours in the F-16, including a 9/11 mission intercepting potential hijacked aircraft. He has served at the CIA, the White House Homeland Security Council, and even as an entrepreneur and investor. However, it was his 2018–2019 Iraq deployment that solidified his relationship with Trump.

As Trump reshapes military leadership, Caine’s appointment marks a shift in Pentagon strategy, drawing both applause and controversy.