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 [Donald Trump] and I have every confidence our Air Force will only grow stronger under General Brown’s leadership!” Pence said.
It was my honor to formally swear-in General Charles Q. Brown, the first African-American military service chief in American History. President @realDonaldTrump & I have every confidence our Air Force will only grow stronger under General Brown's leadership! pic.twitter.com/nILcjhdqTX
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) August 4, 2020
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.”
With Pres Trump looking on, VP Pence administers oath of office to Gen. Charles Brown, confirmed 98-0 by the Senate to be USAF Chief of Staff. "Good luck. Go out there and do it," Pres Trump told Gen Brown, who becomes the first African-American to serve as a US Service Chief. pic.twitter.com/JAPlNOBoa0
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 4, 2020
The president explained Brown’s swearing-in was the “capper” to “an incredible career.”
He called Brown a “great gentleman and a great man.”
Moving the swearing-in from the VP's ceremonial room to the Oval Office, Pres Trump told Gen Brown that this was the "capper" to "an incredible career." Called him "a great gentleman and a great man." Gen Brown thanked the Pres for the "distinct honor" accorded him. pic.twitter.com/I2p0vzelaC
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) August 4, 2020
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.
