President Trump is set to nominate Army Gen. Mark Milley to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to The New York Times.
Milley already sits on the Joint Chiefs as the Army chief of staff, and he would replace current chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford as the country’s top uniformed officer. Dunford’s term is set to expire next fall.
The president had teased the move on Friday morning, saying he would make an announcement about the Joint Chiefs when he attends this weekend’s Army-Navy football game.
“I have another one for tomorrow I will be announcing at the Army-Navy game. It will have to do with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and succession. I look forward to telling you, and I will see you later,” Trump said as he was leaving the White House for a trip to Missouri.
The president met two weeks ago with Milley and Gen. David Goldfein, the Air Force chief of staff who was also considered a front-runner for the chairman job, the Times reported.
The Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights rivalry football game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, and Trump will attend — and reportedly officiate over the coin toss.
His decision to pick Milley means the president may announce the Army officer’s nomination as many in the service tune in for the game.
Milley would have to be confirmed by the Senate but is unlikely to face resistance.
