The Senate must expedite Matthew Lohmeier’s confirmation as Under Secretary of the Air Force. America cannot afford the luxury of Senate Republicans’ traditional two-and-a-half-day work week when critical defense positions remain unfilled, especially for an exceptionally qualified candidate like Lohmeier.
Lohmeier graduated from the Air Force Academy, served as a fighter pilot with unique China experience, and earned top-tier military performance evaluations. He displayed incredible courage in challenging diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the military, which ultimately cost him his job.
There are close to 100 Trump administration nominees languishing on the Senate’s Executive Calendar, creating a backlog that undermines the president’s ability to execute his national security agenda. As Rachel Bovard recently wrote in The Federalist, Senate Democrats can object and slow the process, but they no longer have the power to block nominations entirely. Nominees are now confirmed with a simple majority and with limited debate time, regardless of what Democrats do. The Senate Republican conference just needs to stay in town and do the work.
The Senate should reduce the nomination backlog by working a full five-day week. Instead, senators from both parties prefer maintaining their comfortable schedules over filling critical national security positions. This lack of urgency proves particularly troubling for defense nominations like Lohmeier’s, where delays directly impact our national security.
Fulfilling Trump’s Promise to Nuke DEI
President Trump made a public commitment to both Lohmeier and the American people to eliminate DEI from our armed forces. Last October, at a town hall in North Carolina, Lohmeier told then-candidate Trump about losing his Space Force position for criticizing diversity initiatives. When Lohmeier suggested establishing a military task force to address DEI, Trump responded immediately: “I’m going to put you on that task force.”
Trump kept his promise by nominating Lohmeier to be Under Secretary of the Air Force. This demonstrates the president’s determination to refocus the military and his confidence in Lohmeier’s ability to execute that vision. The American people witnessed this exchange and overwhelmingly supported Trump’s campaign promises.
Qualified for the China Threat
Lohmeier brings extraordinary qualifications to this critical role. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2006 and began his active-duty career as a pilot, flying over 1,200 hours in the T-38 as an instructor pilot before transitioning to the F-15C. His exceptional performance led to quick promotions and distinguished graduate awards at four different Air Force schools. He also served as aide-de-camp for a four-star general, gaining invaluable senior leadership experience.
After his flying career, Lohmeier cross-trained into space operations and gained expertise in space-based missile warning. In October 2020, he transferred to the Space Force and took command of a space-based missile warning squadron in Colorado.
His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding two master’s degrees: one in military operational art and science, and a Master of Philosophy in military strategy from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, considered the Defense Department’s premier strategy school.
Lohmeier is uniquely qualified for today’s strategic challenges. He participated in a military exchange program with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force Academy — a program that no longer exists due to deteriorating U.S.-China relations. This experience along with his ability to speak Mandarin provide America with a well-suited leader to counter China’s growing influence.
Lohmeier flew fighter jets from Okinawa, Japan, gaining firsthand experience in the Pacific theater where future conflicts will most likely emerge. As both an F-15C pilot and space operations officer, he understands the integrated nature of modern warfare across domains. If confirmed, he would make history as the first Space Force veteran to serve in an Under Secretary role, bringing space expertise to Air Force leadership at a critical time.
Depoliticizing Our Military
Critics intentionally misrepresent Lohmeier’s core argument regarding DEI. He wants our military work environment to embrace people of all backgrounds who serve together without politics dividing them. He supports our military’s longstanding tradition of political neutrality.
When Lohmeier raised concerns about diversity training programs, he did not attack the principle of equal opportunity. He questioned whether DEI training created division rather than unity within the ranks. His goal remained simple: military personnel should focus on warfighting without political indoctrination.
Lohmeier was willing to sacrifice his career for this cause. He will effectively implement President Trump’s vision of an apolitical military environment. This appeals to a majority of Americans who believe our military needs to focus on defending our country rather than advancing political agendas.
The Senate needs to get back to work and confirm Matthew Lohmeier as Under Secretary of the Air Force. His military experience, commitment to constitutional principles, and vision of an apolitical military environment make him well-suited for this critical role. At a time when many Americans worry about the politicization of our institutions, Lohmeier offers a path forward: a military focused on its core mission of national defense.