The commander in chief of the United States military is the President of the United States. According to the U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 2, Clause I), the president holds the role of commander in chief of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and militia when called into service, thereby exercising supreme command and control over all U.S. armed forces
. As of 2025, the President is Donald J. Trump, who also nominates top military leaders such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military officer and principal military adviser to the president, is General J. Daniel Caine, confirmed in April 2025
. In summary:
- Commander in Chief: President of the United States (currently Donald J. Trump in 2025)
- Top Military Officer: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (General J. Daniel Caine)
This structure ensures civilian control over the military, with the president holding ultimate authority over military decisions and operations
