By Isabella Torregiani
3:22pm PDT, Jun 21, 2025
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President
Donald Trump is reportedly being influenced by a top military official known by the nickname "The Gorilla."
Gen.
Michael Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, is lending his support to the president on potential plans for a U.S. military strike against Iran, according to the
New York Post.
Keep reading for more on his involvement…MORE:
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Michael Erik Kurilla, described by a former official as a "jacked" general with a "lethality look," has reportedly been spending more time with President Donald Trump, according to
Politico.
The U.S. Central Command chief has taken the lead on military strategy, even surpassing Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth in influence.
Many of Kurilla's proposals for increased military assets have already reportedly been approved.
"Secretary Hegseth empowers all of his combatant commanders the same way — by decentralizing command and harnessing their real-world expertise regarding the defense of their respective AORs (Areas Of Responsibility)," Pentagon spokesperson
Sean Parnell told
The Post.
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Sean Parnell further clarified the chain of command, noting that the Department of Defense leadership team works together to provide options and advice to the secretary.
"The secretary then makes a decision and final recommendation to the president," he explained. "This is how the Pentagon does, and should, function. Our senior leaders are in lockstep and will continue to work in unison to deliver on President Trump's national security agenda."
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Prior to Israel's airstrikes on Iran on June 11, Michael Erik Kurilla reportedly offered President Donald Trump the option to use U.S. military force to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities.
"President Trump has made it clear that if Iran doesn't permanently give up its nuclear enrichment, military force by the U.S. may be necessary," House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers said during a congressional hearing on June 10.
When asked if CENTCOM would be prepared to act if the president agreed, Kurilla responded, "I have provided the secretary of defense and the president a wide range of options."
Kurilla is expected to step down from the military's Central Command in the coming months after serving since 2022, which some believe has made him more vocal in recent weeks.
