On 1 August 2021, it replaced the Management Committee of the State Administration Council, which had been in place since 19 February 2021, following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état.

[2][3][4] Some ministers were appointed by Min Aung Hlaing immediately following the coup on 1 February, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services exercising emergency powers.

[5] Due to the state of emergency, the cabinet is led by Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing rather than Acting President Myint Swe, despite the president being the constitutional head of government.

The coup attempt had been rumored for several days, prompting statements of concern from Western powers such as France, the United States, and Australia.

[9] The military deposed the elected civilian government and General Min Aung Hlaing, the commander-in-chief of Defence Services, announced the formation of a caretaker government with himself as prime minister and extended military rule through 2023, state media reported on 1 August 2021.