Trump Attends Swearing-in of First African American Military Service Chief

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence held a swearing-in ceremony for Gen. Charles “C.Q.” Brown, the United States military’s first African American service chief.

“It was my honor to formally swear-in General Charles Q. Brown, the first African-American military service chief in American History. President and I have every confidence our Air Force will only grow stronger under General Brown’s leadership!” Pence said.

Trump offered Brown praise during the Oval Office ceremony.

“You’re family is very proud of you. And I’m very proud,” Trump said.

Brown expressed his appreciation for the experience.

“It is a distinct honor for me to have this opportunity. I feel very honored and blessed,” Brown said.

The Senate confirmed Brown in a unanimous 98-0 vote on June 9, making him chief of staff of the Air Force, as IJR previously reported.

Trump wished Brown “good luck” and told him to “go out there and do it.”

The president explained Brown’s swearing-in was the “capper” to “an incredible career.”

He called Brown a “great gentleman and a great man.”

Brown’s appointment came as protests began to spread across the nation in response to the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man killed while in Minneapolis police custody.

Some have called for the renaming of military bases named after Confederate leaders.

Trump took to Twitter on June 10 to rule out renaming the bases. He said he will “not even consider” it, as IJR previously reported.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany echoed Trump’s remarks arguing the bases are “not known for the generals they’re named after.”

According to McEnany, they are known for the “heroes” within them.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told reporters the Army is seeking to remove “divisive symbols” from military bases.

He noted the Pentagon is nearing a decision on a “uniform policy” for the various services on divisive symbols.