At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) questioned Matthew L. Lohmeier, a former Lt. Col. in the Space Force and author of "Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military," during his confirmation hearing to be to be Under Secretary of Air Force.
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00:00Thank you, Senator Hirono.
00:03Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
00:05I want to ask each of you to respond very quickly to the following two initial questions
00:11that I asked of all of the nominees on any of the committees on which I sit.
00:15This goes to Fitness to Serve, and we'll start with Mr. Luhmeyer.
00:19Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors
00:25or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?
00:29No. No. No.
00:34Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?
00:39No. No. No.
00:43Before I get to my questions for Mr. Luhmeyer, let me be clear.
00:50Mr. Luhmeyer, you were fired, removed from command for going on a partisan podcast
00:56and pushing political conspiracy theories while in uniform.
01:01Since leaving active duty, you have spread divisive, harmful views on race, equality, LGBTQ rights,
01:10and talked openly about seeking retribution against those you perceived did you wrong.
01:16Exactly the kinds of comments that undermine the unity and professionalism that our military depends on.
01:25And as if that wasn't bad enough, you're also a January 6th conspiracy theorist,
01:32calling it a, quote, government-led false flag and hoax at the Capitol.
01:38I have deep concerns about your nomination to be Undersecretary of the Air Force,
01:43and just as much concern about what this nomination says to the members of our military.
01:51I'm very glad that Senator Shaheen asked questions relating to, by the way, that this is a comment to,
02:00to all of you, about the importance of W, I'm sorry, WPS.
02:10And I'm glad that she pointed out that this is a very useful tool that neither Russia nor China have,
02:15to combat extremism, and to me, you know, this is yet another example of the obsession that this administration has
02:25against a whole swath of programs and efforts that this administration deems DEI.
02:37So, I'll get to my questions.
02:44Mr. Lamar, I hope you can answer these questions, yes or no.
02:49Do you believe the January 6th attack on the Capitol, it was a, quote, government-led false flag operation?
02:58Senator, let me begin by respectfully saying that I believe you've mischaracterized me and my views.
03:04Now, that said...
03:05Mr. Lamar, excuse me, could you just respond to whether or not you believe that January 6th attack
03:10was a government-led false flag operation?
03:14If you no longer believe that, just tell me.
03:17Mr. Lamar, I have never said exactly what you've just attributed to me, but I will answer your question, Senator.
03:22I believe that it's evident that there were, in fact, undercover government agents at the Capitol on January 6th,
03:29but I have not said exactly what you've said. I'm always very careful with the way I characterize that.
03:33Mr. Lamar, excuse me. My time is running out. You deny saying it.
03:38Do you believe the January 6th attack on the Capitol was a hoax?
03:43Mr. Lamar, I've never used the word hoax, I believe, to characterize the event, but what I have just stated, I do believe,
03:49which is that there were most certainly...
03:52Mr. Lamar, excuse me, again, you deny saying that.
03:54Are you planning to reprise against... I know that Senator Reid asked you some questions, but I want to actually name names.
04:02Are you planning to reprise against General Whiting, Major General Pepper, Colonel Fran,
04:07or any other active military service member for perceived slights against you?
04:11Yes or not?
04:13Mr. Lamar, as I've said previously in the hearing, I am very focused on moving forward in the future
04:19and making sure that I hold people accountable for their obedience to their following of law.
04:24Mr. Lamar, actually that's why I'm asking you the question.
04:27Mr. Lamar, to their following of law?
04:28Mr. Lamar, so let me ask you this. If confirmed, will you recuse yourself from initiating or being involved in any administrative or personnel actions involving General Whiting, General Pepper, and Colonel Fran? Yes or no?
04:41Mr. Lamar, I know two of the...
04:43Mr. Lamar, will you recuse yourself?
04:44Mr. Lamar, Senator, I know two of the individuals you've mentioned. One of them is a combatant commander who I presume has the trust and respect of the President of the United States. And...
04:52Mr. Lamar, could you just respond to my question, please? I know you're taking up my time.
04:58Mr. Lamar, Senator, I have...
04:59Mr. Lamar, will you recuse yourself, I guess, in any actions that relate to these people that I just mentioned?
05:05Mr. Lamar, Senator, what I will commit to is that I will treat all people fairly, according to the law, and I'll try and do my best, my job to the best of my duty if I'm confirmed.
05:13Mr. Lamar, that is totally not reassuring. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do have other questions for this nominee for the record.
05:20Mr. Lamar, we'll have other rounds.