In a dramatic move that underscores his sweeping reorganization of the U.S. military, President Donald Trump has dismissed General Charles “CQ” Brown, the nation’s top military officer, along with Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy. This leadership overhaul, which comes just a month into Trump’s second term, marks a significant shift in the Pentagon’s command structure.
Trump provided no formal explanation for Brown’s removal, which cuts short his four-year term as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff less than halfway through. Brown, appointed by former President Joe Biden, was only the second Black officer to hold the prestigious role. Following the announcement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed plans to replace Franchetti as Chief of Naval Operations, further deepening the shake-up.
Brown’s Legacy and Controversial Exit
A decorated fighter pilot with over 3,000 flight hours—130 of them in combat—Brown has commanded multiple fighter wings and led U.S. Air Forces in the Indo-Pacific and Central Command. His tenure as Joint Chiefs chairman began in October 2023.
Brown gained national recognition following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, when he recorded an emotional video reflecting on his experiences as a Black officer in the military. “I was often the only African American in my squadron, sometimes the only one in the room as a senior officer,” he said. “The pressure to perform without error was immense.”
The Rise of ‘Razin Caine’
Trump has nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine as Brown’s successor. Caine, a seasoned pilot and national security expert, has extensive combat experience and previously served as Associate Director for Military Affairs at the CIA.
Trump, known for his dramatic storytelling, recalled meeting Caine during a visit to Iraq. “He told me his nickname was ‘Razin.’ I said, ‘Wait a minute, your name is Razin Caine? I love you. I’ve been looking for you for five years!’” Trump recounted at a recent investor forum.
Franchetti’s Departure and the Reshaping of the Navy
Franchetti, the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy, is also being replaced. Having commanded warships and carrier strike groups, she previously served as deputy commander of U.S. naval forces in Europe and Africa. In November 2023, she made history as the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.