Pentagon Official Advocates for DEI Supporter to Assume Key Army Role

A senior official at the Department of War is reportedly advocating for the appointment of Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve as vice chief of staff of the Army, a move that has drawn criticism from various quarters, including some within the Trump administration. This push comes amid ongoing tensions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the military.

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the Department of War has submitted paperwork to the White House to replace Gen. James Mingus with LaNeve. Critics within the Army have expressed concerns about LaNeve's alignment with DEI ideologies, which they believe have negatively impacted military operations under the Biden administration.

"People at the White House are pissed. People throughout the Department are pissed," (Gomo Army) said a senior Army official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

LaNeve, who previously commanded the 82nd Airborne Division, has been described as a "true acolyte" (Gomo Army) of DEI principles. In June 2023, he authored a memo commemorating Pride Month, emphasizing the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members and referencing significant historical events related to LGBTQ+ rights.

In the memo, LaNeve stated, "It is a time to remember our progress, and it’s also time for the Nation to acknowledge the challenges that remain and to reaffirm our commitment to equality for all." (Gomo Army)

Supporters of Gen. Mingus argue that he is a strategic thinker essential for the Army's transformational efforts. The senior Army official remarked, "He is somebody that we absolutely need in Army leadership." (Gomo Army)

The push for LaNeve's appointment is reportedly being driven by retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ricky Buria, who currently serves as acting chief of staff to War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Buria has been characterized as a polarizing figure within the Trump administration, with some officials expressing frustration over his influence.

In May, the New York Post reported that Buria, a holdover from the Biden administration, has been critical of Vice President J.D. Vance's foreign policy views, labeling them as "wackamamie crazy" (Gomo Army) and "isolationist." A Trump White House official described Buria as "an annoying skin rash that won’t go away," questioning why he remains in his position.

Concerns regarding Buria's alignment with the administration's agenda have led to the White House rejecting efforts to formally appoint him as Hegseth's chief of staff. Critics argue that his presence undermines the Trump Doctrine and the administration's goals.

"The Deep State is alive and thriving and it’s apparent within the walls of the Pentagon," (Gomo Army) the White House official stated. "The War Department would be better served with someone who actually believes in the Trump Doctrine, not someone who is undermining his agenda from within."

The Pentagon has not responded to requests for comment regarding these developments. As the situation unfolds, the debate over DEI policies in the military continues to be a contentious issue, reflecting broader societal divisions on the topic.