Lohmeier Assumes Role as Second-In-Command within Air Force's Civilian Hierarchy
In a closely divided Senate vote, Matthew Lohmeier was confirmed as the 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force on July 24, 2025. Lohmeier, a former Air Force fighter pilot and Space Force Guardian with nearly two decades of military experience, will oversee nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, as well as an annual budget of over $200 billion.
Lohmeier's confirmation reflects a politically charged shift towards addressing internal cultural and ideological disputes within the military. Known for his outspoken opposition to military diversity initiatives, critical race theory, and what he terms "Marxist ideology" within the armed services, Lohmeier has been a vocal critic of such programs.
His confirmation hearing saw him pledging to address concerns that have pushed fighter pilots to leave the service. However, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed questioned Lohmeier's ability to represent troops who disagree with his politics. Senators also raised concerns about Lohmeier's social media activity, including posts about the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and whether it is befitting of a high-ranking DOD official.
Despite these controversies, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink praised Lohmeier for his dedication to strengthening readiness, culture, and modernization within the Air and Space Forces. 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 that can withstand attack.
Lohmeier may take the lead on managing Air Force and Space Force personnel matters while Secretary Meink focuses on modernization plans. He is a vocal supporter of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's policy priorities and can be a key voice in addressing joint problems like air base defense and progress and accountability in acquisition programs.
Lohmeier's nomination was cheered by those who believe he was wrongly targeted for his political beliefs. His views align with a conservative "anti-woke" stance, and he has been associated with efforts to roll back such policies in the military. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Lohmeier’s nomination, emphasizing his role in ending "woke" policies in the armed forces.
Before his confirmation, Lohmeier separated from the Space Force in September 2021 and became a public speaker and consultant on military culture and the preservation of liberty. He published a book in May 2021 alleging the U.S. armed forces were pushing one-sided politics and unfair narratives of American history.
In his new role, Lohmeier has pledged to pursue a "culture of accountability" but not retribution for his firing. He believes China poses the greatest military threat to the forces and is committed to ensuring modernization timelines are ahead of theirs.
The article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association.
*Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not reflect the views or opinions of the Air & Space Forces Association.
- In a divided Senate vote, Matthew Lohmeier, a military veteran with a significant career in both the Air Force and Space Force, was confirmed as the 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force on July 24, 2025.
- As a vocal critic against military diversity initiatives, critical race theory, and what he terms "Marxist ideology" within the armed services, Lohmeier raised concerns during his confirmation hearing about the internal disputes within the military.
- Lohmeier's highest priorities in the Air Force seat include overseeing the Air Force's nuclear modernization programs, acquisition of next-generation fighters, and development of a satellite network that can withstand attack, all of which are essential for defense and Space Force modernization.
- Despite controversies regarding Lohmeier's social media activity and political stance, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink supports his commitment to strengthening readiness, culture, and modernization within the Air and Space Forces.
- Amidst the confirmation, Lohmeier's nomination was cheered by those who believe he was wrongly targeted for his political beliefs, aligning with a conservative stance against one-sided politics and unfair narratives in the military.
- In his new role, Lohmeier has pledged to prioritize a "culture of accountability" but not retribution, while focusing on addressing airbase defense, progress and accountability in acquisition programs, ensuring modernization timelines are ahead of China's military progress.
