Dan Caine: Trump’s Choice for Joint Chiefs Chairman
Background and Early Career
Dan Caine, a retired three-star general, has emerged as President Donald Trump’s surprise pick for the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Caine’s military career, however, deviates from the traditional path to the presidency’s top military adviser.
Caine graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1990 and pursued a career as an F-16 fighter pilot. He flew combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan and served as a member of the National Guard from 2005 to 2016. During that time, he also held various posts in the nation’s capital and engaged in entrepreneurial and investment activities.
Trump’s Fascination with Caine
Trump’s interest in Caine stems from their first encounter in Iraq in 2018. Caine, then a deputy commander of a special operations task force fighting ISIL, reportedly informed Trump that the militant group could be defeated within a week. Trump has repeatedly recounted this conversation, praising Caine’s military acumen and contrasting him with generals he perceived as less capable.
From Retirement to Nomination
Following his retirement from active duty late last year, Caine joined a venture capital firm and became associated with two other investment firms. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he has been involved in the investment world since March 2023.
Trump’s announcement of Caine’s nomination on Truth Social catapulted him from retirement directly to the nomination for the most senior active-duty officer in the U.S. military. If confirmed by the Senate, Caine will take over a military undergoing changes implemented during the first 30 days of the Trump administration.
Concerns and Scrutiny
Caine’s confirmation process will likely be rigorous, given his lack of experience leading a combatant command or military branch of service. Additionally, concerns have been raised about his potential involvement in politics, particularly in light of Trump’s firing of the previous chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown.
Uniformed military officials are expected to remain apolitical and loyal to the U.S. Constitution. Senior U.S. military officials who have worked with Caine have expressed confidence in his ability to keep the military out of politics, emphasizing that he prioritizes mission and troops over political concerns.
Trump’s Influence on Military Politics
Caine’s ability to maintain the military’s apolitical stance may depend heavily on Trump’s own actions. Trump has a history of involving the military in partisan issues, such as the use of troops at the border and the politicization of military installations.
In a recent retelling of his first meeting with Caine in Iraq, Trump recounted service members wearing "Make America Great Again" hats, an act prohibited by military regulations. Trump acknowledged the breach but dismissed it, suggesting a willingness to tolerate political involvement within the military.
Conclusion
Dan Caine’s nomination as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has sparked interest and scrutiny. While his military credentials have been praised by Trump, his lack of traditional experience and the potential for political influence raise concerns. As the confirmation process unfolds, Caine will face the challenge of maintaining the military’s apolitical nature while navigating the potential pitfalls of working with a president who has shown a willingness to inject politics into military matters.
