Air Force Promotes Lohmeier to Second-highest Civilian Position

Matthew Lohmeier, a former fighter pilot and Space Force officer, has been confirmed as the 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force. His nomination, supported by former President Donald Trump, has been met with both praise and criticism due to his conservative political background and outspoken views.

Lohmeier, a 2006 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, has a background in F-15 fighter piloting, Air Force Space Command, and the Space Force as a missile warning officer. His nomination was confirmed in a 52-46 vote on July 24, 2025, mostly along party lines.

Lohmeier's political views became publicly notable after he was fired from squadron command four years before his confirmation, following controversy over his critiques of "woke" policies expressed on a conservative podcast while in uniform. His controversial comments led to an investigation into whether his comments amounted to prohibited partisan rhetoric, resulting in his dismissal.

As Under Secretary, Lohmeier will oversee nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, and an annual budget of over $200 billion. His leadership role puts him at the center of efforts to counter progressive policies in the military and emphasize warrior readiness and traditional military culture.

During his confirmation hearing, Democrats raised concerns about whether his prior political activism would compromise his impartiality in his new role, especially regarding legal or personnel matters involving former military colleagues. Lohmeier declined to explicitly commit to recusal in certain cases but pledged to act fairly under the law, a response that failed to fully reassure some senators.

Lohmeier's political stance has been evident in his opposition to the Pentagon's now-cancelled coronavirus vaccine mandate and his vocal support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's policy priorities, including the effort to purge programs designed to bolster diversity in the ranks. He has also expressed concerns about partisan rhetoric being inserted into the military workplace and dividing troops.

One of Lohmeier's highest priorities, if confirmed, includes the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, next-generation fighter acquisition, and the development of a satellite network that can withstand attack. He has also pledged to address concerns that have pushed fighter pilots to leave the service and eliminate politics from the process of choosing which bases should host new equipment or organizations.

In summary, Matthew Lohmeier's confirmation as Air Force Under Secretary marks a significant move in the ongoing debate about the role of politics in the military. His conservative political views, especially his opposition to "woke" policies, have been both a source of controversy and political support, shaping his career trajectory from being fired for public critiques to being appointed under President Trump and ultimately confirmed by a Republican-majority Senate.

Matthew Lohmeier, a former Space Force officer and fighter pilot, was confirmed as the 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force, a role that will see him overseeing nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, and managing an annual budget exceeding $200 billion.
Lohmeier's nomination, supported by former President Donald Trump, has been met with a mix of praise and criticism due to his conservative political background and outspoken views.
His political leanings became prominent following his dismissal from squadron command, sparked by his discussions of "woke" policies on a conservative podcast while in uniform.
In his new role, Lohmeier will be instrumental in countering progressive policies within the military, emphasizing warrior readiness and traditional military culture.
During his confirmation hearing, concerns were raised about the potential impact of his prior political activism on his impartiality, particularly in legal or personnel matters involving former military colleagues.
Lohmeier's stance on political matters is evident in his opposition to the Pentagon's cancelled coronavirus vaccine mandate and his support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's policies.
As Under Secretary, Lohmeier's focus will include the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, next-generation fighter acquisition, and the development of a resilient satellite network, as well as addressing concerns that have led fighter pilots to leave the service and eliminating politics from base selection processes.