Trump removes the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and appoints Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, a three-star general. Caine previously held the position of director of special-access programs from September 2019 to September 2021, where he managed sensitive classified material and served as an advisor to the defense secretary. He was elevated to the role of associate director for military affairs at the CIA in 2021. Is this a positive move toward greater transparency?

The appointment of Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as the Joint Chiefs chairman is certainly intriguing, especially given his experience with special-access programs and classified operations. His background might suggest a more transparent approach to the topics he has been involved with, including the potential for disclosure on certain military and intelligence matters.
However, it’s important to consider the broader context of military leadership and how decisions are made at that level. While Caine’s history with special-access programs indicates he has deep knowledge of sensitive materials, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a move towards greater disclosure. Military policy and national security concerns often prioritize confidentiality, which could still impact how information is shared with the public.
Ultimately, his leadership style and the administration’s overarching strategy will play significant roles in determining whether this shift leads to more openness. It will be interesting to observe how this change affects policies around military disclosures in the coming months.