Gen. Dan Caine warned Trump about the risks of war with Iran, but also tempered his advice. This raises questions about the value of preserving access.
I appreciate the nuance, Mr. O’Neill. We so often get just black or white judgments, when these don’t suffice in the real world. I know I say this frequently, but the same stay-or-go? dynamic extends to all federal employees. Given a choice to quit or stay and be harassed by Elon Musk and Trump in 2025, we faced an impossible decision, and our livelihoods were on the line. Much government work is proprietary, meaning the skills and expertise developed over time are not transferable to other sectors. And getting another well-paying job when in your 60s is probably not going to happen. Thanks to pay freezes and other circumstances, we were unable to save for a transition.
We all need an income. So now, whether to stay or go is no longer an ethical or moral issue but a survival one. This is the situation that DOGE meant to force; now it’s “we own you.” And that is very demoralizing indeed.
Just finished "Regime Change - Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump" by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, published on June 23rd. Excerpts from page 398 regarding Caine:
"So persistent was the chairman [Caine] in not taking a stand - repeating that it was not his role tell the President what to do, but rather to present options along with potential risks and possible second and third-order consequences - that he could appear to argue all sides of an issue simultaneously."
"Caine differed in almost every way from the Joint Chiefs chairman Trump's first administration, General Mark Milley, who had argued vehemently with Trump and who saw his role as stopping the President from taking dangerous or reckless actions."
"A close observer noted that Trump seemed to confuse tactical advice from Caine with strategic counsel."
Sure enough, Army sec'y Dan Driscoll just resigned after telling Trump to his face that Hegseth is ruining the Army command and leaving our national security weak as hell. See if that does it.
One can argue that their continued presence made no big difference. We still got into as unjust and unwarranted war, soldiers have been killed and wounded, civilians have been killed and wounded, there has been destruction on both sides, we have used up our missiles and incurred huge costs, the Iranian regime is still in power, our allies have sustained much damage, we have lost our standing in the Middle East and the world, we look weak and pathetic, Trump looks imbecilic and mentally ill, the strangle of oil across the world has huge impacts, etc etc etc. Their silence has not helped anything and their acquiescence has helped to caused all of the above. It is an empty argument!
Resignation to send a stronger message may only have value if the recipient has the ability to comprehend the message. Trump certainly lacks that comprehension. The message might then only be 'preaching to the choir', only having value if it persuaded the choir to follow suit. Blanche's elevation to AG clearly indicates a worse possible result. (Though bondi didn't resign....)
Personally, the only rational choice would be to be so openly realistic in opposition as to result in my firing. That leaves me free to be the 'disgruntled former employee' broadcasting my opposition and the reason for removal far and wide.
Very cogent assessment of CJCS behavior. Remember he was not the best equipped officer to take that position which requires much more experience as 4 star. Just a chance meeting w/Trump promoted as a flash in the pan and this is what you get!
I think at this point it should be obvious that Trump doesn't give a flip about anyone's advice. 'Staying in the room' with someone who is myopically focused on his own interests and has clearly shown that he has NO interest in seeking 'advice' does not serve anybody. Quitting, and very publically, sends a much stronger message that this guy is off his rocker and dangerous.
" I have argued that Pete Hegseth’s removal of unquestioned expertise and experience from the military’s senior ranks — whether driven by spite, insecurity, ideology or simple misjudgment..."
The average person does not understand how much $67 billion is to cover the cost of the Iran war. The media should consider spelling out how many million there are in a billion. Consider stating it like this: $67 billion ($67,000 million). Sure seems like a staggering amount of tax dollars!!! The $1.3 trillion request for next year is even crazier.... $1,300,000 million!!!!!!!!
Putin & Trump seem to be succeeding in weakening America's military's power. We got two aircraft carriers now on the ropes, find ourselves low on armaments' (per the media), and we endlessly argue with each other and accomplish nothing.
And Trump remains in the oval office, unimpeached.
No one seems to be standing up for the democracy we lost.
“Staying in the room” is meaningless with Trump Regime. It is impossible to reason with or make informed advice to a delusional person. I doubt Caine and his ilk make a difference, and I think mass retirements and resignations could have significant impact with public opinion turning against Trump. Trump is making a mockery of our military
It may surprise many readers that when Hitler revealed his aggressive intentions to his senior generals, they reacted neither with jubilation nor blind obedience. On the contrary, the Chief of the German General Staff, then the equivalent of the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, refused point-blank to take responsibility for such a foolhardy action. He went on to urge his fellow generals to take a stand, saying: "History will attribute a blood guilt to leaders who do not act in accordance with their professional expertise and political conscience. Your military duty to obey ends where your knowledge, your conscience, and your responsibility forbid the execution of an order." You can read more at: "When Conscience Demands Treason" (https://hpschrader.substack.com/p/opposing-aggressive-war-from-the)
After Hegseth fired the highly qualified (Black) chairman Charles Q. Brown, Caine was pulled out of retirement and promoted to four-star because, during Trump's first term, he had professed great loyalty and devotion ("I'd take a bullet for you, Mr. President.").
It infuriates me when journalists mention American casualties without mentioning the much larger number of Iranian casualties. It should be editorial policy at the Contrarian and any other responsible news outlet that ALL casualties must be acknowledged.
I appreciate the nuance, Mr. O’Neill. We so often get just black or white judgments, when these don’t suffice in the real world. I know I say this frequently, but the same stay-or-go? dynamic extends to all federal employees. Given a choice to quit or stay and be harassed by Elon Musk and Trump in 2025, we faced an impossible decision, and our livelihoods were on the line. Much government work is proprietary, meaning the skills and expertise developed over time are not transferable to other sectors. And getting another well-paying job when in your 60s is probably not going to happen. Thanks to pay freezes and other circumstances, we were unable to save for a transition.
We all need an income. So now, whether to stay or go is no longer an ethical or moral issue but a survival one. This is the situation that DOGE meant to force; now it’s “we own you.” And that is very demoralizing indeed.
Just finished "Regime Change - Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump" by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, published on June 23rd. Excerpts from page 398 regarding Caine:
"So persistent was the chairman [Caine] in not taking a stand - repeating that it was not his role tell the President what to do, but rather to present options along with potential risks and possible second and third-order consequences - that he could appear to argue all sides of an issue simultaneously."
"Caine differed in almost every way from the Joint Chiefs chairman Trump's first administration, General Mark Milley, who had argued vehemently with Trump and who saw his role as stopping the President from taking dangerous or reckless actions."
"A close observer noted that Trump seemed to confuse tactical advice from Caine with strategic counsel."
wow - thanks for sharing!
I just finished reading "Regime Change", and according to that account Caine is tempering his presentations to Trump.
Furthermore all of Trump's advisors have decided to go along with whatever Trump decides.
ETA that Trump 's cabinet seems afraid of losing his favor
Sure enough, Army sec'y Dan Driscoll just resigned after telling Trump to his face that Hegseth is ruining the Army command and leaving our national security weak as hell. See if that does it.
One can argue that their continued presence made no big difference. We still got into as unjust and unwarranted war, soldiers have been killed and wounded, civilians have been killed and wounded, there has been destruction on both sides, we have used up our missiles and incurred huge costs, the Iranian regime is still in power, our allies have sustained much damage, we have lost our standing in the Middle East and the world, we look weak and pathetic, Trump looks imbecilic and mentally ill, the strangle of oil across the world has huge impacts, etc etc etc. Their silence has not helped anything and their acquiescence has helped to caused all of the above. It is an empty argument!
Good piece.
Resignation to send a stronger message may only have value if the recipient has the ability to comprehend the message. Trump certainly lacks that comprehension. The message might then only be 'preaching to the choir', only having value if it persuaded the choir to follow suit. Blanche's elevation to AG clearly indicates a worse possible result. (Though bondi didn't resign....)
Personally, the only rational choice would be to be so openly realistic in opposition as to result in my firing. That leaves me free to be the 'disgruntled former employee' broadcasting my opposition and the reason for removal far and wide.
Be contrary.
Very cogent assessment of CJCS behavior. Remember he was not the best equipped officer to take that position which requires much more experience as 4 star. Just a chance meeting w/Trump promoted as a flash in the pan and this is what you get!
I think at this point it should be obvious that Trump doesn't give a flip about anyone's advice. 'Staying in the room' with someone who is myopically focused on his own interests and has clearly shown that he has NO interest in seeking 'advice' does not serve anybody. Quitting, and very publically, sends a much stronger message that this guy is off his rocker and dangerous.
" I have argued that Pete Hegseth’s removal of unquestioned expertise and experience from the military’s senior ranks — whether driven by spite, insecurity, ideology or simple misjudgment..."
Or maybe he's just a preening a-hole.
Excellent post. Months ago, I saw credible reporting about those punches being pulled.
The average person does not understand how much $67 billion is to cover the cost of the Iran war. The media should consider spelling out how many million there are in a billion. Consider stating it like this: $67 billion ($67,000 million). Sure seems like a staggering amount of tax dollars!!! The $1.3 trillion request for next year is even crazier.... $1,300,000 million!!!!!!!!
Putin & Trump seem to be succeeding in weakening America's military's power. We got two aircraft carriers now on the ropes, find ourselves low on armaments' (per the media), and we endlessly argue with each other and accomplish nothing.
And Trump remains in the oval office, unimpeached.
No one seems to be standing up for the democracy we lost.
No one.
“Staying in the room” is meaningless with Trump Regime. It is impossible to reason with or make informed advice to a delusional person. I doubt Caine and his ilk make a difference, and I think mass retirements and resignations could have significant impact with public opinion turning against Trump. Trump is making a mockery of our military
Agre with your assessment….thanks for your article!
It may surprise many readers that when Hitler revealed his aggressive intentions to his senior generals, they reacted neither with jubilation nor blind obedience. On the contrary, the Chief of the German General Staff, then the equivalent of the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, refused point-blank to take responsibility for such a foolhardy action. He went on to urge his fellow generals to take a stand, saying: "History will attribute a blood guilt to leaders who do not act in accordance with their professional expertise and political conscience. Your military duty to obey ends where your knowledge, your conscience, and your responsibility forbid the execution of an order." You can read more at: "When Conscience Demands Treason" (https://hpschrader.substack.com/p/opposing-aggressive-war-from-the)
Remember how Caine got the job.
After Hegseth fired the highly qualified (Black) chairman Charles Q. Brown, Caine was pulled out of retirement and promoted to four-star because, during Trump's first term, he had professed great loyalty and devotion ("I'd take a bullet for you, Mr. President.").
It infuriates me when journalists mention American casualties without mentioning the much larger number of Iranian casualties. It should be editorial policy at the Contrarian and any other responsible news outlet that ALL casualties must be acknowledged.