Senate Confirms Trump Pick Dan Caine for Top Military Position

The Senate has confirmed retired Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in an unusual late-night vote, bringing President Donald Trump’s pick to the nation’s highest military advisory position.

Key Insights

The Senate confirmed Dan Caine in a rare 2 a.m. vote before the two-week Easter and Passover recess with bipartisan support.
Caine will succeed Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., whom President Donald Trump fired in February, drawing backlash from Democrats.
As an “unconventional” pick with over three decades of Air Force service, Caine required a special waiver from Trump to assume the role.
The Senate Armed Services Committee had previously approved Caine with a strong 23-4 vote, indicating bipartisan backing.

Late-Night Confirmation Secures Military Leadership

In a rare pre-dawn session, the Senate confirmed retired Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, filling a key position in America’s military leadership. The confirmation vote took place just before 2 a.m. on Friday, as lawmakers rushed to complete essential business before departing for a two-week recess for Easter and Passover. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker advocated strongly for the timely vote, stressing the importance of maintaining continuity in America’s military command structure during uncertain global times.

Caine will succeed Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., whom President Donald Trump removed from the position in February. The confirmation came with broad support, receiving votes from all Republicans and several Democrats. This bipartisan backing was particularly notable considering some Democrats had expressed concerns about Trump’s decision to fire Brown and potentially make other leadership changes at the Department of Defense.

Senate confirms Lt. Gen. Dan Caine to lead Joint Chiefs in overnight vote https://t.co/O49zRyFx6O

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) April 11, 2025

An Unconventional Military Leader

Caine acknowledged himself to be an “unconventional” selection for the nation’s highest military advisory position. His appointment requires a special waiver from Trump, as he does not meet all the standard legal requirements for the position. Despite these challenges, the Senate Armed Services Committee previously approved his nomination with a convincing 23-4 vote.

During his confirmation hearings, Caine addressed the unusual nature of his appointment, connecting it to the extraordinary challenges facing America’s military today. He drew upon his more than three decades of service in the Air Force to outline his vision for military leadership during complex global circumstances. In addition, when Caine was questioned about his willingness to stand by his principles, he said his loyalty would be to the Constitution rather than any individual, even if it meant risking his position.

As Caine assumes this crucial military leadership role, he inherits the responsibility of advising the President and administering the nation’s armed forces during a time of global uncertainty. With conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Caine’s leadership will immediately be tested. His confirmation ensures that the military chain of command remains intact as the administration navigates these complex international challenges.