The Heritage Foundation has expressed strong support for President Trump's recent changes in military leadership at the U.S. Department of Defense. The organization praised the retirements of key figures, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown, Jr., and Chief of Naval Operations Lisa M. Franchetti, while welcoming the nomination of Lieutenant General John D. Caine as the new Chairman.
Victoria Coates, Vice President at The Heritage Foundation's Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy, stated: "Every president has the right to choose their own leadership team, including in the military. President Trump’s choice of Lieutenant General Caine to be the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is an inspired choice that is untainted by past policy and leadership failures."
Coates drew parallels with historical precedents such as President Kennedy's decision to appoint retired General Maxwell D. Taylor after the Bay of Pigs incident and other nontraditional appointments by past presidents.
Robert Greenway, Director at The Heritage Foundation's Allison Center for National Security, emphasized accountability: "Accountability begins at the top, and President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth have made bold decisions on the leadership and policy directions they want to take at the Pentagon." He highlighted issues like delayed acquisition programs and Chinese military actions as reasons for change.
Greenway also supported Trump's decision to seek a new nominee for Chief of Naval Operations amidst growing concerns over Chinese military aggression: "President Trump’s decision to seek a new nominee for Chief of Naval Operations is also a wise and necessary choice in the face of an increasingly aggressive Chinese military."
The Heritage Foundation underscores that these changes aim to restore accountability within military ranks while enhancing U.S. defense capabilities against global threats.
