Defense officials are increasingly concerned that the incoming Trump administration might remove Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown, amid perceptions that he may clash with the president-elect over Pentagon diversity and inclusion programs.
The Trump transition team, led by Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, has not yet engaged with Pentagon officials. Despite the lack of formal communication, speculation is mounting that Brown—who has openly discussed his experiences advancing as a Black man in the military during a time when Trump called for strict measures against George Floyd protests in 2020—could face early dismissal from a president-elect who has vowed to reduce “wokeness” in the Pentagon.
Brown’s four-year term traditionally spans across administrations, with his halfway point set for September 2025, during Trump’s first year back in office. However, there’s no rule against dismissing him sooner, though such a move would be unusual.
“There’s definitely some concern,” said one DOD official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another official noted, “He’s seen as a DEI/woke advocate—he could be out quickly.”
Sources close to the Trump transition team indicated that Brown has long been targeted by congressional Republicans who claim the Pentagon’s diversity programs detract from its core mission. Although there is no firm decision yet, evaluations are reportedly underway across the Pentagon. One insider mentioned that the team sees Brown as a “potential obstacle” and may opt for a fresh approach.
Brown did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A statement from Trump’s team did not directly address Brown’s future but emphasized Trump’s commitment to “restore peace through strength.” Many Republicans close to Trump, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Vice President-elect JD Vance (R-Ohio), previously voted against Brown’s 2023 confirmation as chair. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a critic of diversity initiatives and previously a potential nominee for defense secretary, abstained from voting on Brown but remains vocal against such Pentagon policies.
In response to the election results, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a memo to personnel affirming a “calm, orderly, and professional transition” to the new administration.
Brown, who was appointed by Trump as the first Black Air Force Chief of Staff in 2020, had publicly reflected on his challenges as an African American officer during a period of heightened racial tensions. In a widely viewed video, Brown shared his experiences of being the only African American in his unit or on command teams, and of facing skepticism from peers despite his achievements.
His Senate confirmation as Air Force chief received unanimous approval, and Trump had called him a “Patriot and Great Leader” shortly before Brown’s confirmation. However, when Brown was later chosen by President Biden to succeed Gen. Mark Milley, his promotion was delayed by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in protest over the Pentagon’s abortion policy, sparking Republican criticism of Brown’s initiatives to make Air Force promotions and evaluations more inclusive.
Currently, Trump’s advisers consider Brown a potential obstacle to their goal of reducing diversity and inclusion programs seen as “woke.” Some Pentagon officials suggest Brown could simply be marginalized or left out of advisory roles if retained in his position. “They could just not involve him as much,” one official speculated.
Although dismissing the Joint Chiefs Chair before the end of their term is rare, it has precedent, such as President Eisenhower’s early changes in military leadership. Still, Pentagon staff are taking a measured approach, focusing on daily responsibilities and preparing for a professional transition. As one DOD official put it, “After the election, there’s been a lot of ‘shrugging and moving on’ rather than fear.”
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