TRUMP’S APPOINTS CHARLIE KIRK, MICHAEL FLYNN & MORE TO MILITARY BOARD
Trump announced on Monday the new appointees to the military board. He named close allies that included conservative and controversial figures during his first administration.
On Donald Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social Monday, he released a statement saying that he appointed the former national security adviser Michael Flynn, Rep. Wesley Hunt, Maj. Gen. David Bellavia, Lt. Gen. Dan Walrath, Meaghan Mobbs, and Maureen Bannon.
New Appointees Join the Military Board
The appointments happened after Trump purged the boards of visitors at the Naval, Army, and Air Force academies to overhaul the military.
These appointments also fit an established pattern of appointing loyalists, along with reforming the military by implementing executive orders that require the ban of transgender military members and removing DEI programs completely.
Trump announced the appointments for the Air Force Academy, saying, “Our Great United States Air Force Academy will soon have an incredible Board of Visitors, composed of Doug Nikolai, Dan Clark, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Charlie Kirk, and Dina Powell. Congratulations to all!”
Followed by the list of appointments to the United States Naval Academy, “I am happy to announce that the full board will consist of Sean Spicer, Walt Nauta, Congressman “Doc Ronnie” Jackson, Congressman Derek Van Order, Senator Tim Sheehy, and Earl Ehrhart. Congratulations to you all!’
The new appointments to the Naval Academy included his former valet and Navy Veteran, Walt Nauta.
On the other hand, the appointed Board of Visitors for the military academy includes Major General David Bellavia, Lieutenant General Dan Walrath, General Michael Flynn, Congressman Wesley Hunt, Maureen Bannon, and Meghan Mobbs.
The Background of the Newly Appointed Board of Visitors
Trump has made many appointments, but is facing criticism as some members have a controversial past.
Michael Flynn was the National Security Advisor back in 2017, and he resigned after he provided misinformation to former Vice President Mike Pence. He pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, but he was pardoned by Trump in 2020.
The founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was a supporter of Trump during the 2020 election.
Trump also posted the Naval Academy Board of Visitors appointments, which included Walt Nauta. Nauta was indicted as part of former special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents. The case has since been dropped.
Sean Spicer, a former White House Press secretary, has served the Naval Academy’s board in the past, but he was dismissed by the Biden administration in 2021.
What Do These Appointments Mean for Military Leadership?
Trump’s decision to appoint controversial figures has raised concerns among many, as they can influence aspects of academic life, such as the curriculum, culture, and leadership.
“Beyond disgusting and disrespectful,” one critic said on X.
These appointments don’t control the military operations directly, but appointing figures like Charlie Kirk, Walt Nauta, and Michael Flynn can have a strong ideological influence as the shift could also increase more conservative values in military education.
What Comes Next?
Given the controversial nature of the figures that were recently appointed, there’s a chance people will question their qualifications and, most importantly, the reason behind Trump’s decision to select them.
This could also raise concerns from the academy staff from the Naval, Army, Air Force Academies, and students, as the military board members might push some political ideas instead of focusing on leadership training.
The effect of these appointments might have positive changes, but are raising concerns for the time being.
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