New Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Receives Senate Confirmation

The Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a late-night vote, ending weeks of controversy over President Donald Trump’s unconventional military leadership pick.

Quick Takes

Caine was confirmed in a bipartisan vote during an unusual 2 a.m. session just before the Senate’s two-week recess.
Democrats initially delayed the confirmation process due to concerns about President Trump’s abrupt firing of former Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr.
Caine, who served over 30 years in the Air Force, requires a special waiver due to not meeting standard legal requirements for the position.
During his confirmation hearing, Caine emphasized his commitment to the Constitution, stating he would risk termination rather than violate his oath.
The Senate Armed Services Committee had approved Caine with a strong 23-4 vote, showing substantial bipartisan support despite initial Democratic objections.

Late-Night Confirmation Secures Military Leadership

The Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in an unusual pre-dawn 60-25 vote on Friday. The confirmation came just before the chamber adjourned for a two-week Easter and Passover recess, with the final vote occurring around 2 a.m. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) had advocated strongly for completing the confirmation before the break, emphasizing the importance of filling the critical military leadership position without further delay.

The confirmation process gained significant bipartisan support, with Caine previously clearing the Armed Services Committee by a decisive 23-4 vote. Despite initial hesitation from some Democratic senators concerned about the circumstances surrounding the vacancy, many ultimately joined Republicans in supporting Caine’s appointment.

#BREAKING: Senate confirms Dan Caine to lead Joint Chiefs in late-night vote https://t.co/chDAdd6nv4

— The Hill (@thehill) April 11, 2025

Controversy Over Brown’s Removal

President Donald Trump’s decision to fire former Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. in February sparked opposition from Democrats who questioned the abrupt leadership change at the Pentagon. This dismissal became a significant point of contention during Caine’s confirmation process, with some lawmakers arguing Brown’s firing amounted to the politicization of military leadership. Democrats initially delayed the confirmation proceedings to investigate the circumstances surrounding Brown’s removal and to thoroughly examine Caine’s qualifications.

Despite these concerns, several Democrats ultimately joined Republicans in supporting Caine. The controversy illustrated the tensions between presidential authority over military appointments and congressional oversight responsibilities.

Caine’s Background and Qualifications

Lt. Gen. Caine brings over three decades of Air Force service to his new role, though he described his selection as “unconventional” since he does not meet all standard legal requirements for the position. Trump granted Caine a special waiver to overcome these technical barriers. During his confirmation hearings, Caine acknowledged the unusual nature of his appointment but said that “these are unconventional times” that may require different perspectives in military leadership.

During his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Caine made a statement about his commitment to constitutional principles, declaring he would be willing to risk termination rather than violate his oath.

Looking Ahead

As Caine assumes his role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he faces numerous immediate challenges including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, tensions with China, and maintaining military readiness across multiple global fronts. He will be advising President Trump on complex national security matters and coordinating with Defense Department officials to implement administration policies while maintaining the military’s nonpartisan tradition.