President Donald Trump has removed General Charles “CQ” Brown as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a move seen as part of a broader shift in military leadership. The decision has fueled speculation over the direction of the armed forces under Trump’s administration.
Brown, who served as the top military adviser to the president and defense secretary, was among six senior officers dismissed. Trump acknowledged his service in a social media post, saying, “I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country.”
The removal follows criticism from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who opposed Brown’s support for diversity and inclusion programs in the military. Hegseth had publicly called for his dismissal, arguing that such initiatives weakened the armed forces.
Recall that Brown, the second Black officer to hold the position, had been a key figure in shaping national security policies and military strategy. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the force and address personnel challenges within the ranks.
The shake-up has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary realignment of military leadership, while others see it as an attempt to sideline officers advocating for institutional reforms.
However, critics warn that the move could deepen divisions within the armed forces.
