Senate confirms Lt. Gen. John Daniel Caine as new Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. John Daniel Caine becomes top US military adviser (Photo: Getty Images)
Lt. Gen. John Daniel Caine has officially been confirmed as the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, taking on a critical role during a pivotal time for US military strategy, according to The New York Times.
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a former National Guardsman and fighter pilot, was confirmed by a 60–25 Senate vote to become the top military adviser to President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
He replaces Gen. Charles Brown, who assumed the role on October 1, 2023, succeeding Gen. Mark Milley, but was unexpectedly dismissed by Trump in February 2025.
Caine steps into the role amid growing national security challenges, including expanded US airstrikes on Houthi militants in Yemen and ongoing debates over military support for Ukraine.
During his April 1 confirmation hearing, Caine stated that he supported supplying military aid to Ukraine. "The US should focus on what unique capabilities only we can provide, while Europe increases its share of support," he said.
He also warned that Vladimir Putin remains committed to territorial gains and forcing Ukrainian neutrality despite heavy Russian losses.
Balancing independence with loyalty
While Democrats expressed concern about Hegseth’s controversial positions, especially regarding minorities and women, they stopped short of aggressively challenging Caine, hoping not to undermine his future working relationship with the administration.
"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," said Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
Caine pledged to "speak truth to power" and remain loyal to his professional duty.
Republican Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, emphasized the urgency of the confirmation amid global threats: "Our adversaries are banding together, and China continues its military buildup — we need strong leadership now."
Caine’s confirmation caps a week of major diplomatic appointments in Washington — just a day earlier, Mike Huckabee was confirmed as US ambassador to Israel despite sharp Senate controversy.
