He Was America’s Highest-Ranking Military Officer. Then Came the War on D.E.I.

2025-02-27

During his decades-long path to become America’s highest-ranking military officer, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. won the crucial support of President Trump.That all changed when Mr. Brown publicly talked about a subject that is taboo in Mr. Trump’s government.Helene Cooper, who covers national security for The Times, explains why General Brown was fired and why it has rocked the military.Guest: Helene Cooper, who cover national security issues for The New York Times.Background rea...

During his decades-long path to become America’s highest-ranking military officer, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. won the crucial support of President Trump.

That all changed when Mr. Brown publicly talked about a subject that is taboo in Mr. Trump’s government.

Helene Cooper, who covers national security for The Times, explains why General Brown was fired and why it has rocked the military.

Guest: Helene Cooper, who cover national security issues for The New York Times.

Background reading:

President Trump fired General Brown amid a flurry of dismissals at the Pentagon.
Democratic lawmakers and retired military officers expressed concern about politicization of the military under Mr. Trump.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Photo: Shawn Thew/EPA, via Shutterstock

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