The United States Senate has on Friday April 11, 2025, confirmed Air Force General Dan Caine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Caine’s confirmation followed the abrupt dismissal of General Charles “CQ” Brown two months ago by President Donald Trump.
Senators voted 60 to 25 in favour of Caine’s nomination during a late-night session on Friday, just before recess.
President Trump nominated Caine, who enjoys a long-standing relationship with him dating back to a trip to Iraq.
At his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Caine pledged to remain apolitical in his new position.
He promised to offer honest and direct military advice to President Trump at all times.
Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan asked if Caine would resist illegal orders.
Caine responded, “That is my duty and the job that I have, yes.”
He assured lawmakers that he would uphold his oath and act as a nonpartisan military leader.
Caine stated, “I will continue the traditions and standards of my oath and commission.”
Despite his confirmation, Caine does not meet the legal requirements for the role under the 1986 law.
The law requires the chairman to have served as a combatant commander or a service chief.
However, the president can waive the requirement if deemed necessary for national interest.
President Trump reportedly used that waiver clause to push Caine’s nomination forward.
Caine has held key roles, including associate director for military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
He also served as an F-16 fighter pilot, logging over 150 hours in combat operations.
His confirmation follows Trump’s sweeping removal of senior military officials earlier this year.
Among those removed were heads of the Navy, Coast Guard, and the vice chief of staff of the Air Force.
Trump also dismissed the general in charge of the NSA and a Navy admiral assigned to NATO.
Three top military lawyers were also removed in what critics described as a purge of diversity-focused officers.
Caine’s appointment signals a shift in military leadership under Trump’s renewed administration.