Senate Confirms Army Vet Anthony Tata to Key Pentagon Role Despite Controversy

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate approved the appointment of retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata as the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, placing a controversial individual in charge of essential Pentagon initiatives that impact service members and their families.

Tata, who previously served as the deputy commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division during its 2006 mission in Afghanistan, received approval by a slim margin of 52–46 votes. 

Every Republican in attendance supported the nomination, whereas all Democrats opposed it. His confirmation comes after a lengthy period of debate surrounding his earlier political remarks and an unsuccessful attempt for a different high-ranking defense role.

Following his military retirement in 2009, Tata assumed various civilian positions, including public school administrator and subsequently Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He rejoined federal service during the administration of former President Donald Trump, taking on the role of senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense. However, his nomination for the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in 2020 fell apart after some of his controversial statements were revealed.

Notable among the harmful remarks were Tata’s previous characterizations of former President Barack Obama as a "terrorist leader" and "secret Muslim," statements that raised bipartisan alarm at the time. As the vote approaches this week, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has once again expressed his dissent.

“Mr. Tata holds a misinformed and biased perspective regarding the military and civilian workforces under his supervision,” Reed stated. “His track record and previous work at the Pentagon raise concerns.”

Tata responded to specific criticisms during his confirmation hearing in May, expressing regret for some previous statements and committing to act as a nonpartisan leader focused on assisting service members and their families.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness is responsible for various agencies within the Pentagon, including the Defense Health Agency, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Defense Commissary Agency, and the Defense Travel Management Office. These organizations have come under examination regarding the policy changes enacted during the Trump administration, with detractors cautioning about the increasing politicization of military support services.

In the face of criticism, Tata’s confirmation represents a notable achievement for Republican legislators aiming to solidify the impact of the Trump administration within the Pentagon. He is expected to take the oath for his new position shortly, where he will make significant contributions to determining personnel, education, and health policy for the U.S. armed forces.