Wittman, Virginia Republicans Send Letter Raising Alarm Over Political Interference at Virginia Military Institute

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) joined Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) in sending a letter to President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to share their continued concern about legislation advanced by the Virginia General Assembly that would restructure the governance of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and establish a legislative task force to examine, evaluate, and potentially recommend changes to its military training model, governance framework, and officer-producing role - asserting political control over the institution.

"At a time when the United States faces increasing global threats when a stronger, larger military is more important than ever, weakening VMI, one of the nation's premier leadership development institutions, sends the wrong signal," said Rep. Wittman. "Measures targeting VMI's governance raise serious concerns about politicizing a historic military institution that plays a critical role in developing leaders for our Armed Forces. I will continue to stand firmly against any attempt to politicize or diminish VMI's mission."

Background:

For nearly two centuries, VMI has produced military officers, public servants, and principled leaders who have strengthened both the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation. That includes the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, and even former Governor Northam. This oversight insinuates that VMI doesn't provide effective leaders to the U.S. military, which is patently false. Its contribution to our Armed Forces and our national security infrastructure is real and measurable. If improvements are needed, those conversations should be serious, measured, and mission-focused. Instead, what we are seeing is an attempt to weaken VMI's independent governance and impose political control.

Read the letter here.