Mark Kelly Questions DoD Nominee Anthony J. Tata on Loyalty to Constitution vs. Administration

Questioning Loyalty and Political Influence

• 📌 Senator Mark Kelly questioned Anthony J. Tata, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, regarding a tweet Tata published on November 8th, 2024.
• 💡 The tweet stated the Pentagon is "hyper politicized" and called for vetting senior military personnel, emphasizing that "Loyalty to the Constitution is the only test."
• 🎯 Tata's tweet also suggested reviewing SCES appointments to remove those resisting the administration and appointing leaders aligned with "POTUS' vision" to achieve "Trump Agenda 47."

Tata's Defense of "Trump Agenda 47"

• 🚀 Tata clarified that "Trump Agenda 47" represents "peace through strength," rebuilding the military, and avoiding needless wars.
• 💬 He explained his tweet was a response to a CNN article alleging generals and admirals discussed resisting lawful orders from the commander-in-chief.
• ⚠️ Tata found it unacceptable that military leaders would consider resisting lawful orders, which he views as an attempt to usurp the commander-in-chief's constitutional authority.

Oath of Allegiance

• 🤝 When asked directly, Tata affirmed that he raised his right hand for 44 years to support and defend the Constitution.
• ✅ If confirmed, Tata stated he would swear an oath to the Constitution, above any individual or administration agenda.
• 🗣️ He also expressed willingness to be fired from the position if necessary.