Trump Nominates Troy Meink as Air Force Secretary

The space and intelligence veteran is poised to lead the Air Force and Space Force, emphasizing modernization and strategic competition.

Troy Meink, currently the principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as secretary of the Air Force.
Meink’s extensive background includes roles in space intelligence, missile defense, and military operations, including serving as a KC-135 tanker navigator and leading ballistic missile testing programs.
If confirmed, Meink will oversee critical Air Force programs, including the modernization of intercontinental ballistic missile systems and advancements in AI-powered drones and next-generation aircraft.
Meink’s nomination signals a continued focus on space capabilities, with his expertise expected to shape the Space Force’s development amidst growing global competition in space from nations like China and Russia.
Elon Musk, a key advisor to Trump’s administration, reportedly supported Meink’s nomination, reflecting the administration’s prioritization of space innovation and efficiency in defense spending.