In a late-night decision, the U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine as the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a pivotal moment in President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape military leadership. The vote, which passed 60 to 25, followed a tense standoff with Senate Democrats who objected to the sudden dismissal of Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr., the previous chairman.
The confirmation capped off weeks of political friction, with Democrats, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), criticizing Brown’s removal as unjustified. Many within the party viewed the decision as part of a broader attempt by the Trump administration to inject political influence into military leadership.
Despite the controversy, Caine faced little resistance during his confirmation hearings. He secured strong bipartisan support, with the Senate Armed Services Committee advancing his nomination by a 23-4 vote. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the committee’s chairman, emphasized the importance of acting swiftly, pointing to the growing military ambitions of China and the need for firm, strategic leadership within the Pentagon.
“America cannot afford a leadership gap at a time when adversaries are aligning against our interests,” Wicker said. “Lt. Gen. Caine is the right person for the job, and he has earned bipartisan backing.”
Caine’s confirmation comes after President Trump unexpectedly dismissed seven high-ranking Pentagon officials in February, including Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations. Critics argued these firings were aimed at replacing key figures with individuals who more closely reflect Trump’s policy priorities and military vision.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a close Trump ally, was a vocal advocate for the leadership shake-up. He previously criticized several military leaders, including Brown, for focusing on diversity and inclusion initiatives — labeling them as “woke” priorities that he says distract from core military objectives.
In a statement following the vote, Trump praised the confirmation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to “peace through strength.”
“With Secretary Hegseth and General Caine, we are bringing back a military that puts America first and leads with confidence,” Trump said. “We’re just getting started — I’ve asked Secretary Hegseth to begin the selection process for five additional senior appointments, to be announced soon.”
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, voiced cautious support for Caine but urged him to maintain independent military judgment. “Your duty is to provide your best advice, even when it may not align with what the president or secretary want to hear,” Reed said.
The vote is widely seen as a major win for Trump’s defense strategy and signals a new chapter in his administration’s efforts to reshape military leadership ahead of a contentious election year.
