Senate Confirms Dan Caine To Lead Joint Chiefs In Late-Night Vote
The U.S. Senate, controlled by Republicans, has officially confirmed retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine as the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—President Donald Trump’s nominee for the role.
Caine was confirmed with a 60-25 vote, which followed a delay spearheaded by Democrats and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The delay was intended to protest Trump’s recent dismissal of the previous Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr.—a decision Democrats called unwarranted. Lawmakers had just returned from a two-week break and used the session to voice concerns over what they described as an unjustified termination.
Despite the controversy surrounding Brown’s removal, Caine faced minimal resistance during his confirmation process. His Senate hearing proceeded smoothly, with bipartisan cooperation and no significant opposition to his ascension as the top uniformed military official in the country. The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced his nomination with a 23-4 vote.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the committee’s chair, urged his fellow senators to back Caine “without any delays,” warning of growing threats from China and other adversaries uniting against the U.S.
“President Trump should have the expertise of the highest-ranking military officer in place without any delays,” Wicker stated, emphasizing that Caine “sailed through” the committee process with “an overwhelming, nearly unanimous, bipartisan endorsement.”
Caine’s confirmation came shortly after Trump stunned Washington in February by abruptly firing seven senior defense leaders, including Gen. Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti, who had been the Navy’s first female Chief of Naval Operations.
Critics, particularly Democrats, argued the dismissals were part of an effort to politicize the U.S. military—long regarded as a nonpartisan institution—by replacing key Defense Department figures with individuals seen as more loyal to Trump’s agenda.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, prior to taking his current post, had advocated for Brown’s removal, along with other generals he associated with the Pentagon’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He labeled them as “woke” officials.
“It sends a chilling message about who is and is not welcome in our military,” Warren said during a subcommittee hearing of the Senate Armed Services panel.
At his own hearing, Caine promised to serve in a nonpartisan capacity, declaring that he would not give in to political pressure from Trump if confirmed. He vowed to remain loyal to U.S. law and the Constitution and said he was prepared to be removed from office if necessary. He also made clear he would refuse any unlawful orders from the president.
Trump praised Caine in his nomination announcement, calling him “an accomplished pilot, national security expert, successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter’ with significant interagency and special operations experience.” He added that Caine had been “highly qualified” but was “passed over” under President Biden.
“But not anymore!” Trump declared. “Alongside Secretary Pete Hegseth, General Caine and our military will restore peace through strength, put America First, and rebuild our military.” He further stated, “I have also directed Secretary Hegseth to solicit nominations for five additional high level positions, which will be announced soon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the committee, stressed the importance of honest counsel, telling Caine: “I expect you to pledge to always provide your best military advice to the president and the secretary of defense. Even if that advice is not what they would want to hear.”
Wicker echoed national security concerns, stating, “The Chinese Communist Party continues an expansive military buildup, and our adversaries continue to band together against the United States. It is critical that the Senate confirm Lt. Gen. Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff this week.”
The Senate's approval marks a notable victory for President Trump and his strategy to overhaul the Pentagon's leadership structure, a core aspect of his defense policy led by Secretary Hegseth.