Staff Reports
The recent ousting of General Charles Brown from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff marks the fulfillment of a long-held promise by Donald Trump: to fire “woke” generals from the military. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to steer the military away from politically charged diversity initiatives and back toward a focus on readiness and lethality. Brown’s departure isn’t due to racial concerns, but rather his stubborn embrace of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies that many conservatives view as deeply misguided.
Brown’s tenure was cut short just weeks into Trump’s new administration, following Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s confirmation. Hegseth had made it clear that the military should prioritize effectiveness over the misguided notions of equity that have been pushed in recent years. Trump’s announcement of the termination was surprisingly polite, as the former president described Brown as a “fine gentleman and an outstanding leader,” while also expressing good wishes for his future. Let’s not kid ourselves; this was less about personal animosity and more about recalibrating the military to align with traditional values.
Sacking of CQ Brown makes good on Trump promise to fire "woke" generals https://t.co/5RirEDWOPY
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) February 25, 2025
The backdrop for Brown’s removal can be traced back to Trump and Hegseth’s disdain for what they consider the military’s increasing politicization, particularly in the realm of DEI initiatives. Hegseth had previously weighed in on Brown’s promotion, criticizing his focus on racial issues and raising questions about whether Brown’s qualifications were truly merit-based. This controversy over race versus competency is a familiar narrative, one that conservatives argue undermines the effectiveness of the military.
During his time in office, Brown was an outspoken supporter of BLM and took significant steps to promote DEI within the Air Force. From spearheading initiatives aimed at addressing supposed racial inequities to creating task forces focused on these issues, Brown seemed more focused on pushing a social agenda than on preparing the military for its core functions. Such actions have earned him scrutiny and have ultimately put him on the chopping block as Trump’s new administration aims to reverse the tide of politicized military policies.
Brown gained notoriety for several policies that ignited debate among conservatives. For instance, he was a champion of allowing pregnant women to fly fighter planes through their second trimester—a policy that raised eyebrows and questions about operational effectiveness. Additionally, he showed interest in phasing out traditional testing methods in favor of broader recruitment practices that prioritize diversity. Critics argue that such moves diminish the professional standards within the military in favor of what some see as a misguided quest for inclusivity.
The events surrounding Brown’s termination serve as a stark reminder that in the world of military leadership, merit should reign supreme over social agendas. As Trump and Hegseth take steps to rid the military of policies that promote division rather than unity, one can’t help but wonder whether the American military leadership will finally return to its core values—a return that is long overdue.
