The Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, filling the position nearly two months after President Donald Trump dismissed his predecessor. Caine’s nomination followed Trump’s February decision to remove Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the second Black general to hold the chairman role, as part of a broader effort to remove military leaders who advocate for diversity and equity.
The Senate confirmed Caine with a 60-25 vote in the early hours, just before lawmakers left for a two-week break. While Caine is a decorated F-16 combat pilot with experience in special operations and CIA leadership roles, he does not meet certain prerequisites set by a 1986 law, such as serving as a combatant commander or service chief. However, the president can waive these requirements if deemed necessary for national interest.
The confirmation vote occurred amid fast-tracked nominations by Republicans and Democratic efforts to delay the process to counter Trump’s policies. Despite some resistance, Caine received bipartisan support. During his confirmation hearing, Caine pledged to be candid and apolitical, distancing himself from Trump’s claim that Caine had worn a “Make America Great Again” hat when they first met.
Caine also addressed concerns about the military’s role in domestic affairs, assuring Senate members that he would stand up against any illegal orders, including those involving the use of the military against civilians. He reaffirmed his commitment to the military’s oath to the Constitution, not to any president.
Caine’s relationship with Trump dates back to the president’s first term, when they met in Iraq. Trump has since praised Caine as a “real general,” contrasting him with former Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, whose relationship with Trump soured after Milley resisted efforts to politicize the military. After Trump’s inauguration, Milley’s portrait was removed from the Pentagon, and his security clearance and detail were revoked.
