A Pentagon official who called former President Barack Obama a “terrorist leader” is now running the Defense Department’s policy, despite being previously rejected for the job by the U.S. Senate in July.
Anthony Tata has been appointed to the top policy role at the Pentagon following the Tuesday resignation of acting policy chief James Anderson, Politico reports. Anderson was expected to be asked by the White House to leave the post in the next few days.
“I am particularly grateful to have been entrusted with leading the dedicated men and women of Policy, who play a key role in our Nation’s security,” wrote Anderson in his resignation letter. “Now, as ever, our long-term success depends on adhering to the U.S. Constitution all public servants swear to support and defend.”
Read More: McConnell pushing to confirm more Trump judges as Senate returns
Tata is a known Trump loyalist who failed to be confirmed by the Senate earlier this year. The upper chamber of Congress unexpectedly canceled his nomination hearing minutes before it was scheduled to begin in July, citing that they did not have enough information. The White House subsequently withdrew Tata’s nomination.
But in the days leading up to his hearing, Democrats were incensed over Tata’s partisan remarks and comments in which he called Obama “a terrorist leader,” and called Islam “the most oppressive violent religion that I know of.” Tata is also a retired Army brigadier general who frequently was a guest on Fox News.
Despite being denied the top Pentagon policy role, Tata remained as an aide to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who was fired by President Donald Trump on Monday. In June, Tata said he “deeply regretted” his offensive remarks.
Civil rights groups at the time called on the Senate to not confirm Tata because he was an “anti-Muslim, anti-Black internet troll.”
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!