Hegseth dismisses question about 'under qualified' Trump Joint Chiefs pick

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday rejected a reporter's question that suggested President Trump's pick for the new Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Dan Caine, was not qualified for the position.

Trump on Friday removed Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr., a four-star general, as chairman of the joint chiefs, replacing him with the three-star general Caine. It was part of a broader purge of Pentagon posts made by Trump.

“Why did you hire an under qualified lieutenant general to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” a reporters asked Hegseth in a room filled with international leaders on the margins of Hegseth's meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salaman.

“I’m going to choose to reject your unqualified question,” the Defense Secretary answered before moving on to the next question.

Hegseth, before he was confirmed as Defense secretary, had accused Brown of being involved in “woke” initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion and suggested the leader be fired in order for U.S. military efforts to succeed.

“First of all, you’ve got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs,” Hegseth said during a November podcast appearance. “But any general that was involved — general, admiral, whatever — that was involved in any of the DEI woke s‑‑‑ has got to go. Either you’re in for warfighting, and that’s it. That’s the only litmus test we care about.”

Brown refused to resign after President Trump won the election, but accepted the termination, thanking the country for his ability to serve the nation in a Saturday LinkedIn post.

“I was inspired to serve by my father, who told me, ‘Four years in the military will not hurt you.’ Four years turned into four decades, surrounded by the finest service members and civilians from across our Nation. Every day you have inspired me,” Brown, the nation’s second Black person to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wrote.

“It has been my distinct honor to conclude my career as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As Chairman, I focused on Warfighting, Modernization, and Trust. The Joint Force’s commitment to our security has never been more critical. I’m confident you will continue to stand resolute in defense of our Nation. Sharene and I wish you and your families all the best. Thank you for your leadership.”

Some supported his removal while others were outraged including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity of which Brown is a member.

“The Fraternity sees his dismissal as part of a larger agenda to demonize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), remove highly qualified African Americans and people of color from positions of power and influence as well as effectively eliminate and ‘whitewash’ all public aspects of the country from national observances, educational access and curriculum as well as citizenry,” the group wrote in a statement regarding Brown’s dismissal.

Topics

Trump fires Black joint chiefs chair Hegseth accused of promoting diversity

US secretary of defense had questioned whether history-making air force general CQ Brown Jr got job because of race. Donald Trump abruptly fired the air force general CQ Brown Jr as chair of the ...
The Guardian - 3d
Trump Fires Joint Chiefs Chairman Amid Flurry of Dismissals at Pentagon

The decision to fire Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., a four-star fighter pilot, upends a tradition in which the Joint Chiefs chairman traditionally remains in place as administrations change.
The New York Times - 2d
What to know about Dan Caine, Trump’s pick to lead Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Trump ousted Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., a President Biden appointee, who served as the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday. “I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown ...
The Hill - 2d
Trump’s Frustration With Generals Led to Picking Dan Caine for Joint Chiefs Chairman

Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a retired three-star Air Force officer, quickly moved up the list of candidates to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The New York Times - 1d
Dan Caine, Trump’s Joint Chiefs Pick, Had Unusual Path to Top Ranks

The general made an impression in 2018 when he said, according to the president, that the Islamic State could be defeated in a week.
The New York Times - 3d
Trump fires CQ Brown as Joint Chiefs chairman

President Donald Trump announced he had fired Gen. C.Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and planned to replace him with Air Force lieutenant general.
ABC News - 2d
The impact of Trump firing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Trump announced on Friday that he will replace Gen. Charles Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other senior Defense Department officials were also ousted. CBS News senior ...
CBS News - 2d
Trump removes Brown, names new Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman

President Trump has fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., a four-star pilot, and named Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine to be the country’s next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “I want to ...
The Hill - 3d
Trump fires Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown

Trump said he plans to nominate Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine of the U.S. Air Force to replace Gen. CQ Brown as the nation’s top-ranking military officer.
NBC News - 3d
Trump fires chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown

President Donald Trump fired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman CQ Brown Jr., the country's highest-ranking military officer, from his position. This comes amid a wave of administration changes under ...
NBC News - 3d
Trump fires Gen. Charles Q. Brown as chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Trump said he is nominating Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
CBS News - 3d
Firing of Joint Chiefs Chairman and Others Draws Criticism

Democratic lawmakers and retired military officers expressed concern about the politicization of the military under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The New York Times - 2d
Trump's abrupt change of US policy on Ukraine raises questions about Taiwan support

U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt reversal of three years of American policy toward Ukraine has raised concerns China might become emboldened to push its territorial claim on Taiwan, though ...
ABC News - 1d
Booker says firing Joint Chiefs chairman sends 'dangerous message' to the military

Booker says firing Joint Chiefs chairman sends a ‘dangerous message’ to the military on political loyalty.
NBC News - 1d
Treasury yields slip as data raise questions about strength of U.S. economy

U.S. Treasury yields slipped on Friday, with short-dated notes tallying their biggest one-day drop since January after a fresh batch of data raised questions about the strength of the U.S. economy.
MarketWatch - 3d
Berkshire shares rise on surge in operating earnings, but questions linger about cash

The conglomerate's operating profit — earnings from the company's wholly owned businesses — skyrocketed 71% to $14.5 billion in the fourth quarter.
CNBC - 23h
Trump, Macron take questions on Ukraine-Russia war

President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the Oval Office and took questions about the future of Ukraine and the possibility of a deal with Russia. Mr. Trump also took questions ...
CBS News - 22h
Iowa pollster facing Trump lawsuit files motion to dismiss

Veteran Iowa pollster J. Ann Selzer is seeking to dismiss President's Trump's lawsuit against her, the Des Moines Register and its parent company Gannett after a November survey incorrectly ...
The Hill - 3d
Hegseth: Fired military lawyers were potential 'roadblocks' to Trump orders

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that the three fired judge advocates general (JAGs) were potential “roadblocks” to President Trump’s orders. "It's not about roadblocks to an agenda,” ...
The Hill - 19h
Confusion, fear at the Justice Department under Trump

The Department of Justice is in upheaval from firings and resignations in the first weeks of the Trump administration. Fear has silenced many in the department, but two prosecutors are speaking up.
CBS News - 1d
Former FDA chief ‘very concerned’ about Texas measles outbreak spreading

Former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said he is “very concerned” about the measles outbreak in Texas spreading. Gottlieb joined CBS News's "Face the Nation” on ...
The Hill - 1d
Trump, DOGE mass job cuts: Federal workers’ money questions answered

The Trump administration is terminating federal workers across agencies. Here’s what to know about your rights and finances if you were impacted by the cuts.
CNBC - 3d
PGA Tour and LIV Golf Look for Merger Deal Under Trump

A tie-up involving the tour and LIV Golf was stalled under President Biden. They’re aiming to forge a new agreement under President Trump.
The New York Times - 6d
Under Trump, D.C. Faces More Federal Control, Fewer Federal Workers

The Washington region is bracing for a shock to the local economy from President Trump and Elon Musk’s sweeping cuts to the government work force.
The New York Times - 4d
Trump administration considers moving USPS under Commerce Dept.

Moving the U.S. Postal Service into the Commerce Department, should it take place, would happen through an executive action, source say.
CBS News - 3d
Preparations under way for meeting between Trump and Putin, Russia says

Russian and US leaders will meet face to face in move towards normalising relations, deputy foreign minister says. Preparations for a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin ...
The Guardian - 3d
College student groups based on race, ethnicity could be in jeopardy under Trump

The future of college student groups based on race or ethnicity could be in jeopardy. As the Trump administration ramps up its efforts against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the ...
The Hill - 2d
U.S. relationship with Ukraine shifting under Trump | 60 Minutes

Monday marks three years since Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has been Ukraine's decisive ally. Now, President Trump seems to be turning his back.
CBS News - 1d
Changes at the U.S.-Mexico border under Trump's new immigration policies

New data shows a dramatic drop in illegal border crossings as the Trump administration touts new changes at the U.S.-Mexico border. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
CBS News - 1h
Trump removes Ice chief amid apparent frustration over rate of deportations

Caleb Vitello reassigned as administration reportedly unhappy at slow rate of arrests and deportations. Donald Trump’s presidential administration has reassigned its top official at US Immigration ...
The Guardian - 3d
Trump 'thinking about' absorbing Postal Service into administration

President Trump said Friday he was considering merging the U.S. Postal Service into his administration, calling the agency a “tremendous loser” of money. “We want to have a post office that works ...
The Hill - 3d
What Trump, Macron said about Ukraine's future

President Trump hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on Monday. During a joint news conference with Macron, Mr. Trump defended his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, ...
CBS News - 17h
Kremlin disputes Trump's claim about Ukraine peacekeepers

Trump said that Russian President Putin "has no problem with," peacekeepers in Ukraine, but the Kremlin contradicted those comments Tuesday.
NBC News - 6h
Norrie beaten by qualifier Tien in Acapulco opener

Britain's Cameron Norrie loses in straight sets to American teen Learner Tien in the first round of the Mexican Open.
BBC News - 11h
Trump picks rightwing podcaster as FBI’s second-in-command

Dan Bongino among online influencers who supported US president’s conspiracy theories and re-election bid
Financial Times - 1d
Another ceasefire is under threat from Trump – the precarious deal between Lebanon and Israel | Mohamad Bazzi

Israel, seemingly with the US president’s blessing, has kept troops inside Lebanon. Renewed conflict with Hezbollah is looming. As global attention remains focused on the hostage-prisoner swaps ...
The Guardian - 4d
Hegseth comments on fired Pentagon officials

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commented on some of the top officials fired by the Trump administration. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more.
CBS News - 1d
Fed Flags Rising Inflation Risks and Rising Uncertainty About Trump’s Policies

Rates cuts are still on the menu, but like many businesses, Fed officials are having a tough time judging the impact of Trump’s tariff and immigration plans.
Inc. - 4d
Trump Meets With Tiger Woods About Merging PGA Tour with LIV Golf

The president has been agitating recently to repair the divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf that has shadowed professional golf for several years.
The New York Times - 4d