The Air Force inspector general will look into the removal of a Space Force commander who wrote a book and appeared on a recent podcast to argue that Marxism is infiltrating the military.
Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek confirmed Thursday that the investigation into whether Lt. Col. Matthew Lohmeier’s actions constituted “prohibited partisan political activity” had been elevated “due to the complexity and sensitivity of the issues under consideration, as well as potential for [Air Force]-wide impact.”
Lohmeier was relieved of command of the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado after he appeared on the “Information Operation” podcast earlier this month to discuss his book “Irresistible Revolution: Marxism’s Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military.”
“The diversity, inclusion and equity industry and the trainings we are receiving in the military … is rooted in critical race theory, which is rooted in Marxism,” Lohmeier told podcast host L. Todd Wood.
Lohmeier’s book claims a “neo-Marxist agenda” is in vogue at the Pentagon and the author warned Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the podcast that “this agenda, it will divide us, it will not unify us.”
After his reassignment, Lohmeier doubled down on his claims, telling Fox News’ “Hannity” Monday night that Defense Department videos “were sent out to every base [and] servicemember” that “taught that the country was evil, that it was founded in 1619 and not 1776, and that whites are inherently evil.”
Stefanek added in her statement that the inspector general’s investigation would take precedence over an earlier investigation launched by Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, the head of Space Operations Command. She did not give a timetable for when the investigation might conclude.
Lohmeier, who Military.com reported has been reassigned to a non-leadership role at Buckley Air Force Base, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
