Trump has removed the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and appointed Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, a three-star general, in his place. Caine previously held the position of director of special-access programs from September 2019 to September 2021, where he dealt with highly classified information and provided advice to the defense secretary. After his promotion in 2021, he became the associate director for military affairs at the CIA. Does this shift signal progress toward greater transparency?
It’s certainly a significant move in leadership, and appointing someone with a background in special-access programs could indicate a shift in how the administration approaches classified information and disclosure. Lt. Gen. Caine’s experience in highly classified environments means he understands the importance of operational security, but he also may bring a perspective on the need for transparency when it comes to certain issues.
However, it’s important to consider the broader context of this appointment. While his background could be promising for potential disclosure initiatives, it will ultimately depend on the broader policies and goals of the administration regarding transparency with the public. Engaging with topics that require disclosure, especially around national security and special programs, will require careful navigation.
What do you think? Could this be a sign of more openness, or might it lean towards maintaining the status quo in terms of secrecy?