Canada's top general vies for NATO Military Committee chair amid possible US opposition
Canada's chief of defence staff Jennie Carignan is contesting Germany's Carsten Breuer for the NATO Military Committee chair, a vote that could face resistance from Donald Trump.
Top military leaders from NATO's 32 Western members will hold a secret ballot on Saturday to select the next chair of the alliance's Military Committee. The contest features Canada’s chief of the defence staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, against Germany’s Gen. Carsten Breuer, with Carignan poised to become the first woman to hold the post in NATO’s 77-year history. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government has thrown its weight behind her candidacy, aligning with broader moves to deepen Canada-Europe cooperation, including a proposal for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member.
While European officials have welcomed the idea, US President Donald Trump has called it “laughable” and may seek to block any Canadian advancement within NATO. Defence analyst Steve Saideman says Carignan has a solid chance but warns that Trump could use his influence to thwart the vote. One outlet chair, Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, has served since January 2025, and the role acts as the senior military liaison between NATO’s political leadership and its commanders.
