Air Force Announces Lohmeier as Second-In-Command Civilian Officer
Matthew Lohmeier, a former Air Force Academy graduate and F-15 fighter pilot, was confirmed as the 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force on July 24, 2025, in a divisive 52-46 party-line vote. His confirmation marks a significant event due to his prior dismissal from his Space Force command in 2021, following public criticism of military diversity programs and allegations of Marxist influence within the armed forces.
Lohmeier's controversial views, expressed in a podcast and his self-published book Irresistible Revolution: Marxism’s Goal of Conquest and the Unmaking of the American Military, led to his removal from the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base. His critics argue that his views are divisive and undermine the U.S. military.
Despite the controversy, Lohmeier's supporters emphasize his military background, which includes nearly two decades of service as a fighter pilot and Space Force officer, commanding a missile warning squadron, and advanced degrees in military operational art and strategy. They highlight his dedication to strengthening military readiness and warrior culture, and modernizing the Air and Space Forces.
Lohmeier's appointment is seen as a continuation of efforts to oppose policies he and former President Donald Trump labeled as "woke," with Trump endorsing him for this role as part of a broader agenda to remove such policies from the military. The key issues surrounding his confirmation include ideological battles over diversity and inclusion policies, perceived politicization within the armed forces, and efforts by some political factions to push back against concepts like critical race theory in the military context.
In his new role, Lohmeier will oversee nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, and an annual budget of over $200 billion. His highest priorities are expected to include the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, next-generation fighter acquisition, and development of a satellite network that can withstand attack. Lohmeier has also expressed his commitment to ensuring that our modernization timelines are ahead of China, which he believes poses the greatest military threat to our forces.
Lohmeier has pledged to pursue a "culture of accountability" but not retribution for his firing. However, senators have questioned whether Lohmeier's social media activity, including controversial posts about the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, is befitting of a high-ranking DOD official.
Lohmeier's confirmation reflects a partisan divide within the Senate and the military regarding these cultural and policy debates. His appointment signifies a significant shift in the Air Force's leadership, one that is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of the U.S. military.
References: [1] Associated Press. (2025, July 24). Senate confirms Lohmeier as Air Force undersecretary. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-military-air-force-biden-government-and-politics-157810c6459398e42c5d3d14d761311c
[2] The Hill. (2025, July 24). Senate confirms Lohmeier as Air Force undersecretary. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/defense/635304-senate-confirms-lohmeier-as-air-force-undersecretary
[3] The Washington Post. (2025, July 24). Senate confirms Lohmeier as Air Force undersecretary in narrow vote. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/07/24/senate-confirms-lohmeier-air-force-undersecretary-narrow-vote/
[4] Politico. (2025, July 24). Senate confirms Lohmeier as Air Force undersecretary amid controversy. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/24/senate-confirms-lohmeier-air-force-undersecretary-amid-controversy-00055901
- Matthew Lohmeier, the confirmed 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force, served as a fighter pilot and Space Force officer for nearly two decades.
- Lohmeier's controversial views, expressed in a podcast and self-published book, lead to his removal from a Space Warning Squadron and crticisms that his views are divisive.
- Lohmeier's supporters emphasize his commitment to strengthening military readiness, warrior culture, and modernizing the Air and Space Forces.
- Lohmeier's appointment is seen as a continuation of efforts to oppose policies perceived as "woke" and remove them from the military.
- In his new role, Lohmeier will oversee the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, next-generation fighter acquisition, and satellite network development, all while ensuring a lead against China.
- The political divide over Lohmeier's confirmation and subsequent role as Under Secretary of the Air Force reflects debates on diversity and inclusion policies, perceived politicization within the armed forces, and the role of critical race theory in the military context.
