Defense Secretary Pete Hexet Defends Firing of Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. C.J. Brown During Meeting with Saudi Defense Minister

Defense Secretary Pete Hexet dismissed questions regarding the recent dismissal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. C.J. Brown, while welcoming Saudi Defense Minister Khalid Bin Salman. During their meeting, Hexet defended the decision to remove the top uniformed defense lawyers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The discussions between Hexet and Bin Salman focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared security concerns.

The meeting, held on Friday, came just days after President Donald Trump abruptly fired Gen. Brown, a history-making fighter pilot and highly respected officer. Brown’s removal is seen as part of a broader campaign by Trump to replace military leaders who advocate for diversity and equality within the ranks. As the second Black general to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Brown’s 16-month tenure was marked by his leadership during the war in Ukraine and the escalating conflicts in the Middle East.

In addition to Brown’s ouster, the firing of other top military leaders, including three Judge Advocates General, has created an unprecedented shakeup in senior military leadership. This move has raised concerns about the stability and direction of the U.S. armed forces.

Hexet’s meeting with the Saudi Defense Minister follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian diplomats in Riyadh to explore potential pathways to end the war in Ukraine. The discussions, held at the Dirham Palace in the Saudi capital, underscored Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a major diplomatic player in global affairs.

Like its neighbor, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia has maintained close ties with Russia throughout the Ukraine conflict. These ties have been reinforced through collaboration in OPEC+ and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s role as a mediator highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the international stage.