Trump Makes New Nominations
Washington, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has put forward Adm. Daryl Caudle as his choice for the next Chief of Naval Operations, reinforcing his ongoing efforts to bring strong, accountable leadership back to the top ranks of the U.S. military.
This leadership shake-up comes nearly four months after Trump removed Adm. Lisa Franchetti—who had been appointed under the previous administration—without public explanation.
A Proven Leader in Submarine Warfare
Adm. Caudle, a career submariner from North Carolina, currently commands U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. With decades of experience in undersea operations and fleet coordination, Caudle is widely respected throughout the Navy for his disciplined, no-nonsense leadership.
His previous commands include:
- Submarine Forces
- Submarine Force Atlantic
- Allied Submarine Command
He has led Fleet Forces Command since December 2021.
Strengthening Border Security with Naval Power
Caudle’s nomination follows his outspoken support for President Trump’s innovative use of Navy resources to help secure the southern U.S. border. In March, Caudle praised the deployment of a Navy warship to the border, calling it “a vital enhancement to our nation’s border security framework.”
This move aligns closely with Trump’s America First defense strategy, which prioritizes the safety of American citizens and the security of U.S. territory.
Trump’s Broader Military Overhaul Continues
This isn’t the only top military appointment President Trump has made in recent months. In February, he decisively removed six high-ranking officials, including:
- Adm. Lisa Franchetti (Chief of Naval Operations)
- Gen. Charles Q. Brown (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs)
- Gen. James Slife (Vice Chief of Staff, Air Force)
- The Judge Advocate Generals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force
These changes underscore Trump’s determination to eliminate political influence from the military and bring back leaders who put mission and country first.
Gen. Christopher Mahoney Tapped as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
In a separate but equally important nomination, Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, has been selected to serve as Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mahoney, a decorated Marine aviator, has been the Corps’ second-in-command since November 2023. He also served as acting Commandant from November 2023 to March 2024, following the hospitalization of Gen. Eric Smith.
Mahoney’s leadership, combat experience, and commitment to American values have earned him broad support within the military community.
What This Means for America
President Trump’s appointments reflect a return to traditional values in military leadership—discipline, strength, and national sovereignty. With Adm. Caudle at the helm of the Navy and Gen. Mahoney rising to the Joint Chiefs, Americans can expect a renewed focus on border defense, operational readiness, and protecting our nation’s interests abroad.
