In his place, Trump has nominated retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan 'Razin' Caine, who will require Senate confirmation to return to active duty.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the firings, stating that such actions are not unprecedented and are part of the president's prerogative to choose his national security team.

On February 21, 2025, President Trump dismissed Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. from his position as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking a significant change in military leadership during a time of ongoing global conflicts.

Hegseth cited historical examples of past presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Barack Obama, who also dismissed military leaders during their terms.

He noted that the recent dismissals of six three- and four-star generals reflect Trump's desire to align military leadership with his national security strategy.

Gen. Brown, who served for 16 months, was the second Black general to hold the position and focused on critical military operations, including the war in Ukraine.

Senator Jack Reed criticized the firings as unjustified and politicizing the Department of Defense, suggesting they aimed to ensure military compliance with presidential directives.

The Trump administration is focusing on removing military leaders who support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, arguing that these changes will strengthen military effectiveness.

In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Hegseth praised Trump's approach to peace talks with Russia, contrasting Reed's condemnation of the administration's perceived leniency towards the Kremlin.

Hegseth hinted that more dismissals could occur if military leaders do not adhere to Trump's commands, emphasizing the administration's focus on compliance.

Hegseth asserted that officers who do not comply with Trump's lawful orders could face dismissal, referencing concerns over previous mandates.

Retired Gen. George Casey described the firings as 'extremely destabilizing,' while acknowledging the president's authority to make such changes.