Former Space Force Officer Fired for Controversial Comments Nominated for Top Air Force Role

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A former Space Force officer who was relieved of his command in 2021 over controversial comments made on a right-wing podcast has been nominated to serve as the undersecretary of the Department of the Air Force. President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Matthew Lohmeier on Friday, Jan. 17, as part of his selections for top roles in the department.

Lohmeier, a former lieutenant colonel, was fired from his command role at the 11th Space Warning Squadron in 2021 after appearing on a podcast to promote his self-published book. During the appearance, he endorsed political conspiracies commonly circulated in far-right media. The Space Force stated at the time that his removal was due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead, citing his public comments as the reason.

Lohmeier graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2006 and served as a pilot and flight instructor, flying F-15Cs and T-38s. He transitioned to space-focused roles in 2015 and was among the first Air Force officers to join the newly established Space Force in 2020. As commander of the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, he oversaw the monitoring of ballistic missile launches and trajectories.

Since leaving the military, Lohmeier has become a regular commentator on right-wing media. If confirmed, he would serve as the second-highest civilian official in the Department of the Air Force, reporting to Troy Meink, the nominee for Secretary of the Air Force. Meink, an Air Force veteran and former KC-135 Stratotanker navigator, currently serves as the principal deputy director for the National Reconnaissance Office, which oversees intelligence and surveillance satellites.

Both nominees bring extensive experience in space-oriented operations. Meink previously held roles as the deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space and director for space staff. The nominations come as many of Trump’s cabinet picks await confirmation votes in the Senate, including the potential Secretary of Defense.