Trump nominates Dan Caine as the next military adviser

In February 2025, President Donald Trump nominated retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine for the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff following the dismissal of General Charles Q. Brown Jr. Caine's connection with Trump dates back to their meeting in Iraq in 2018, where Caine made a strong impression on the President by suggesting a quicker strategy to defeat ISIS. Their relationship developed further when Trump later expressed his admiration for Caine by highlighting his qualifications, including experience as a pilot and his role as the CIA's associate director for military affairs. Caine, who graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1990 and earned a master's degree in air warfare, has been described as a dedicated military leader who keeps the mission and troops above politics. His nomination is notable due to his unusual career path, lacking the typical experience of previous appointees who have all held higher ranks in the military. If confirmed, Caine will be responsible for providing military advice to the President, although he will not have operational command over the armed forces. The scrutiny surrounding his nomination and the implications of his appointment come in the context of recent changes and political dynamics within the military under Trump's administration. As the highest-ranking officer in the Pentagon, Caine’s role will be pivotal in maintaining a civilian-military relationship that is crucial for national security interests.