Summary

Donald Trump fired Gen CQ Brown Jr, the Black chair of the joint chiefs of staff, continuing a purge of leaders supporting diversity in the military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had insisted on ousting Brown due to his role in “woke” DEI programs, questioning Brown’s selection as possibly based on race.

Brown, praised for his achievements and role in deterring China, was replaced by Lt Gen Dan “Razin” Caine, bypassing statutory prerequisites.

The move signals sweeping Pentagon changes, including further high-level firings and a dramatic shift in America’s defense priorities.