Trump names nominees to take over commands in the Middle East and Africa
June 4, 2025
President Donald Trump is nominating Vice Adm. Brad Cooper to take over as the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East. If he’s confirmed, it would mark just the second time that a Navy admiral has held the job. It’s a crucial role as the region has been shaken by conflict, with the Trump administration pushing to broker a ceasefire deal after 20 months of war in Gaza and holding nuclear talks with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement Wednesday that Trump also is nominating Air Force Lt. Gen. Dagvin Anderson to head U.S. Africa Command. Anderson would be the first Air Force general to lead Africa Command, which was created in 2007.
