The New York Times reported that the U.S. Air Force is set to name its first black chief of staff without mentioning that President Trump nominated him.
The eight-paragraph article published Monday and titled “Nominee for Air Force Chief Would Be First African-American in Post” did not include the president’s name or a mention of him once.
Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who goes by the nickname C.Q., is currently the commander of U.S. Pacific Air Forces and one of only two black four-star generals currently serving. He is also a decorated fighter pilot who has served multiple combat tours across the globe.
“The USAF will be well served by the formidable talents of CQ Brown,” Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett said about the appointment. “He has unmatched strategic vision & operational expertise. His leadership will be instrumental as the service continues to focus on the capabilities & talent we need to implement the #NDS.”
Brown, if confirmed, will be taking over for Gen. David Goldfein, who has filled the position since 2016 but is expected to resign this year.
“Congratulations to Gen CQ Brown on his nomination to be our next Chief. He’s led worldwide — in the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” Goldfein said on Twitter. “When it comes to global, operational savvy there’s nobody stronger — one of the finest warriors our @usairforce has ever produced.”
Trump’s reelection campaign sued the New York Times last week for libel related to an article about Russian interference in the 2016 election.
