Trump mass fired the Board of Visitors at the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard military academies. The seats are later filled with MAGA loyalists, including Michael Flynn and Charlie Kirk.
Trump stated on Truth Social that “woke leftist ideologues” invaded military academies in the U.S. and claimed that removing the boards and replacing them with new members is the first step in strengthening the armed forces.
The Boards of Visitors advise academies on matters regarding academic, physical, and military programs. Their recommendations impact cadet lifestyle, training, development, and can even influence admissions.
Shortly before leaving office in 2020, Trump replaced experts on these boards with partisan loyalists, including Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer.
In March 2025, Trump announces the next generation of military academy advisers.
On the United States Military Academy Board of Visitors: Michael Flynn, Rep. Wesley Hunt, Maureen Bannon (daughter of Steve Bannon), David Bellavia, and Dan Walrath.
On the Air Force’s board: Charlie Kirk, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Dina Powell, and others.
On the Naval Academy’s board: Sen. Tim Sheehy, Sean Spicer, Rep. Ronny Jackson, and Walt Nauta.
