Trump Nominates Space Expert Dr. Troy Meink as Air Force Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump announced on Jan. 16, 2025, his nomination of Dr. Troy E. Meink, the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), to serve as the next Secretary of the Air Force. If confirmed, Meink would bring decades of expertise in space and defense to the role, marking a significant shift in leadership for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

Meink, a former KC-135 tanker navigator in the Air Force, has spent much of his career in civilian roles within the Department of Defense, including as deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space. His deep experience at the intersection of defense and space makes him a unique choice for the position. At the NRO, Meink oversaw a $15 billion budget as director of Geospatial Intelligence Systems Acquisition, managing the acquisition of satellite systems critical to national security.

Trump praised Meink’s qualifications, stating, “Troy will work with our incredible Secretary of Defense Nominee, Pete Hegseth, to ensure that our Nation’s Air Force is the most effective and deadly force in the World, as we secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Meink’s nomination comes as the Space Force faces its first-ever budget cut in 2025, despite growing demands for resources and manpower.

If confirmed, Meink will navigate ongoing debates between the Space Force and the NRO over roles and responsibilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance from space. He will also address critical issues such as the Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance program, Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones, and the troubled Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.

Meink’s nomination is part of Trump’s broader slate of defense leadership picks, including Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, John Phelan for Secretary of the Navy, and Daniel P. Driscoll for Secretary of the Army. These appointments signal a focus on aligning defense leadership with Trump’s vision of “peace through strength.”

The Senate confirmation process is expected to scrutinize Meink’s extensive background and his ability to manage the Air Force’s complex challenges. His confirmation would mark a pivotal moment for the Space Force, as it seeks to solidify its role in national defense under a leader with unparalleled space expertise.