WASHINGTON: The Pentagon discreetly placed several retired US military officers with large social media followings in government positions as part of an operation aimed at supporting administration policies, The Washington Post reported, citing anonymous sources and records.
According to the report, the military influencers have defended the Trump administration against criticism while promoting positions associated with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Officials reportedly appointed them as either special government employees, known as SGEs, or highly qualified experts, known as HQEs. SGEs can work for the government for up to 130 days annually, while HQEs can serve part-time or full-time.
Retired Officers Hold Government Positions
The Washington Post identified retired US Air Force Colonel Rob Maness and retired US Army Colonel Kurt Schlichter among those involved. Sources told the newspaper that some participants hold positions that could potentially influence policy.
Moreover, Pentagon records reportedly showed active civilian government email accounts for Maness, Schlichter and retired Army Colonel Thomas Anderson.
The three also maintain substantial online audiences. Schlichter reportedly has more than 620,000 followers on X, while Maness has over 135,000. Anderson, who posts under the name Cynical Publius, has more than 323,000.
Influencers Assigned to Pentagon Personnel Office
The retired officers reportedly work within the office of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata.
According to the report, Tata’s office has addressed politically sensitive issues, including policies concerning diversity initiatives and COVID-19 vaccination requirements imposed on military personnel during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Meanwhile, the reported appointments raise questions about the relationship between government policymaking and influential political voices on social media.
However, the Pentagon has not publicly detailed the reported operation.
Anderson and Pentagon spokesperson Joel Valdez declined to comment to The Washington Post, while Maness and Schlichter reportedly did not respond to requests for comment.
