Former President Donald Trump has put forth the names of two former military officers for significant roles in the Pentagon: Matthew Lohmeier, a former lieutenant colonel in the Space Force, and Stuart Scheller, a former Marine lieutenant colonel.
Both men have been vocal critics of senior military leaders during Trump’s presidency.
Trump’s Focus on Loyalty
Trump’s reputation for valuing loyalty in his appointees is evident in his desire to revise many of the policies set forth by his predecessor.
Lohmeier and Scheller’s past criticisms of military leadership under President Joe Biden, along with their alignment with Trump’s views, could potentially bolster their positions in the current administration as they continue to advocate for reforms.
Profiles of Lohmeier and Scheller
Lohmeier is slated for the undersecretary of the Air Force role.
His earlier career hit a snag in May 2021 when he was removed from his post as commander of the 11th Space Warning Squadron.
This dismissal followed the launch of his book, which challenged the influence of critical race theory in military training, branding these initiatives as rooted in Marxist thought.
Recently, he took to X to express his gratitude for the nomination and reaffirm his dedication to serving in the armed forces, urging others to consider military service as well.
On the other hand, Scheller gained notoriety for posting videos during his duty that criticized military leadership concerning the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
These actions led to disciplinary measures against him, including confinement and a potential court-martial.
He has recently accepted a role as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Despite facing reprimands and pay cuts, Scheller has not hesitated to voice his criticisms of the Biden administration, particularly regarding what he sees as a lack of accountability among top military officials.
Controversial Stances and Military Norms
Scheller has concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, considering them—and the ineptitude he perceives in some quarters—as symptoms of a military system that values career progression over actual capability and performance.
Both Lohmeier and Scheller belong to a notable cohort of senior officers who have openly contested the Biden administration’s policies, a stance that flies in the face of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which typically discourages active-duty members from showing disrespect to their superiors or government officials.
Trump’s selections signal a readiness to bring in individuals willing to challenge military norms and engage in political discourse during their service.
Additionally, he has nominated Air Force Reserve Colonel Doug Collins for Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.
Both have previously been advised against using their military uniforms to advocate for their political views.
Source: Taskandpurpose