Drummond urges U.S. Senate to confirm Caine as chairman of joint chiefs of staff

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 4, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond is leading an eight-state coalition of attorneys general urging the U.S. Senate to confirm Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin’” Caine as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. President Trump selected him for the post last month.

Drummond cited Caine’s combination of national security expertise, private sector experience and distinguished military career as ideal qualifications to lead the joint chiefs of staff.

“In addition to his critical role in defending Washington, D.C., during the September 11, 2001, attacks, he served as the deputy commanding general for Operation Inherent Resolve from 2018 to 2019, playing a pivotal role in the defeat of the ISIS caliphate,” Drummond wrote in the April 3 letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Drummond, a U.S. Air Force combat veteran and former fighter pilot, noted that Caine’s 2,800 hours as a command pilot in the F-16 with more than 150 combat hours underscore his proficiency in high-stakes environments.

He added that Caine’s leadership is built on a foundation of apolitical decision making.

“The Chairman’s role requires a commitment to the national interest, transcending partisan politics,” Drummond said in the letter. “Lt. Gen. Caine’s history of working closely with both military and civilian leaders further exemplifies his fitness for the position.”

Also signing the letter urging swift confirmation of Caine were the attorneys general of Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.