President-elect Donald Trump's pick for undersecretary of the Air Force, Matthew Lohmeier, was previously fired from the Space Force for criticizing what he described as critical race theory and "Marxism" in the U.S. military.
Newsweek has reached out to the Air Force, the Trump transition team, and Lohmeier for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Trump's selection of Lohmeier is the latest potentially contentious administration pick, following his nomination of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.
The nomination also highlights the GOP's long-running battle against "woke" policies in the military, with Trump signaling a renewed focus on reversing such initiatives.
What To Know
Trump announced on Friday that Lohmeier is his choice for the next undersecretary of the Air Force.
In May 2021, Lohmeier was fired from the Space Force, where he served as a lieutenant colonel, after publicly criticizing military policies on a conservative podcast.
Lohmeier made the remarks during an appearance on The Steve Gruber Show, while promoting his book, Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military.
During the podcast, Lohmeier said that diversity training in the military is "rooted in critical race theory, which is rooted in Marxism." CRT argues that racism is systemic in the nation's institutions and laws and helps maintain the dominance of white people in society. Lohmeier also alleged that other military initiatives and narratives were "Marxist in nature."
A Defense Department official told CNN at the time that Lohmeier was removed from his command due to a "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead."
The dismissal sparked backlash among Republican lawmakers, with Colorado Congressman Ken Buck calling it "outrageous."
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump said in a Friday statement: "Matthew will work with the GREAT Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to end the devastating 'woke' policies that have destroyed our Military, and make our Country STRONG AGAIN."
Matthew Lohmeier said on the 2021 episode of The Steve Gruber Show: "Our diversity, inclusion and equity industry and the training we're receiving in the military via that industry are rooted in critical race theory, which is rooted in Marxism.
"Since taking command as a commander about 10 months ago, I saw what I consider fundamentally incompatible and competing narratives of what America was, is and should be. That wasn't just prolific in social media or throughout the country during this past year, but it was spreading throughout the United States military. And I had recognized those narratives as being Marxist in nature."
Colorado Congressman Ken Buck said in a May 2021 post on X, formerly Twitter: "It's outrageous that Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier was removed from his command in the Space Force for voicing concerns that the U.S. military is promoting Marxist ideologies."
Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz said in a May 2021 X post: "Lt. Col. Lohmeier is a Patriot telling the truth about the attempted wokeification of our military—and worse. His demotion is clearly retaliator."
Defense Department official said in a May 2021 statement: "Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, relieved Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier of command of the 11th Space Warning Squadron, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, May 14, due to loss of trust and confidence in his ability to lead. This decision was based on public comments made by Lt. Col. Lohmeier in a recent podcast."
What Happens Next
Lohmeier's nomination for undersecretary of the Air Force will require Senate confirmation. A vote has not yet been scheduled.
The Armed Services Committee is expected to announce a vote on Hegseth's nomination for defense secretary on January 20, following Trump's inauguration.
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