Air Force Names Lohmeier as Second-in-Command Civilian Authority Figure
Matthew Lohmeier, a former Space Force lieutenant colonel, has been confirmed as the Air Force undersecretary, taking on the responsibility of overseeing personnel and budgets for both the Air Force and Space Force. Lohmeier's nomination was a contentious one, given his outspoken conservative views and the circumstances surrounding his removal from command in 2021.
Lohmeier, a 2006 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and experienced F-15 fighter pilot, has been vocal in his support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's policy priorities. His confirmation came in a narrow 52-46 party-line vote on July 24, 2025, marking the first time the Air Force and Space Force have had the top two Senate-approved civilian leaders since the Trump administration took office.
The controversy surrounding Lohmeier's nomination stemmed from his allegations that Marxism and divisive political ideologies were undermining the military through diversity and inclusion efforts. These views align with former President Donald Trump's campaign messages against what Trump called "woke" policies in the military, who had publicly supported Lohmeier's nomination to help reverse such policies.
Lohmeier's past rhetoric has raised concerns for some lawmakers, but supporters have emphasised his background as a fighter pilot and Space Force officer, and his focus on strategy, policy, and human resources related to military personnel welfare. During his confirmation hearing, Lohmeier pledged to address "quality of life" and "quality of service" concerns that have pushed fighter pilots to leave the service.
Melissa Dalton, Lohmeier's predecessor, suggests that deterring Chinese aggression will require coalition building and advocacy across the Department of Defense. Lohmeier shares this sentiment, believing China poses the greatest military threat to the forces and commits to shortening modernization timelines if confirmed.
Lohmeier's highest priorities in the Air Force seat include the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, next-generation fighter acquisition, and development of a satellite network. He pledges to pursue a "culture of accountability" but not retribution for his firing.
Lohmeier was fired from command in an investigation four years ago due to comments on a conservative podcast. He was later relieved of command amid an investigation into whether his comments amounted to prohibited partisan activity after publicly criticizing military leadership for what he perceived as political bias. Since then, Lohmeier has separated from the Space Force and become a public speaker and consultant on "military culture and the preservation of liberty."
Lohmeier's new role as Air Force undersecretary comes with significant responsibilities. He will oversee nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, and an annual budget of over $200 billion. He hopes to invest time in people, governance, and processes that enable the Department of the Air Force to function effectively. Dalton, his predecessor, believes Lohmeier can be a key voice in solving joint problems like air base defense and progress in acquisition programs.
However, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed questions Lohmeier's ability to represent troops who disagree with his politics, raising concerns about Lohmeier's ability to be impartial in his new role. Lohmeier, concerned about partisan rhetoric being inserted into the military workplace, emphasises the importance of maintaining the military's apolitical nature.
As Lohmeier takes on his new role, the debate surrounding his nomination and his views on military culture and ideology are likely to continue. His confirmation marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Air Force and Space Force, and his approach to his new role will be closely watched.
- Matthew Lohmeier, the newly confirmed Air Force undersecretary, takes responsibility for overseeing personnel and budgets for both the Air Force and Space Force.
- Lohmeier's controversy surrounds his allegations that Marxism and divisive political ideologies are undermining the military, aligning with former President Donald Trump's campaign messages.
- In his new role, Lohmeier has pledged to address "quality of life" and "quality of service" concerns to prevent fighter pilots from leaving the service.
- Lohmeier's highest priorities in the Air Force seat include the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, next-generation fighter acquisition, and development of a satellite network.
- Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed questions Lohmeier's ability to represent troops who disagree with his politics, highlighting the ongoing debate about Lohmeier's nomination and his views on military culture and ideology.
