President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a significant shakeup in the military leadership, citing ties to diversity and inclusion efforts under the Biden administration and the handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Among those replaced were Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, the Joint Chiefs chairman, who is being nominated to be replaced by Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine. Hegseth also announced the replacements of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Slife, and the judge advocates general of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The move has sparked controversy, with Sen. Jack Reed expressing concerns about politicizing the military. Hegseth, who has criticized diversity initiatives, promised accountability for the Afghanistan withdrawal at a town hall meeting. He has directed a task force to eliminate Biden-era diversity programs, emphasizing unity over diversity as a strength.

Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a retired CIA associate director known for his counterterrorism expertise, has been praised by Trump for his role in defeating ISIS and his leadership in special operations. Caine’s distinguished career includes developing strategies to counter Iraq’s Scud missiles and commanding air defense during the 9/11 attacks.

The military shakeup, labeled a “Friday Night massacre” by Rep. Adam Smith, has raised concerns about loyalty and competence in military leadership. The replacements signal a shift away from diversity-focused policies towards a focus on readiness and combat effectiveness in the armed forces.