Press Release
Published on June 2, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Today, Human Rights First and 37 civil society organizations representing human and civil rights advocates, veterans, and concerned citizens sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to reject the nomination of Anthony Tata as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
“Anthony Tata has a dangerous history of using his words and actions to harm the very communities he is meant to serve,” said Hanah Stiverson, Associate Director of Democracy Protection at Human Rights First. “His previous nomination to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy was withdrawn after his long record of bigoted statements and behavior came to light. We believe his continued use of discriminatory and anti-democratic rhetoric disqualifies him from any federal appointment—especially one responsible for overseeing personnel and readiness across the U.S. military.”
The Department of Defense is the largest employer in the United States, with nearly three million service members and civilian employees and an annual budget exceeding $840 billion. It requires leadership that upholds the principles of equity, integrity, and respect. Anthony Tata’s public record, however, reflects:
Such views and behaviors are fundamentally incompatible with the values and mission of the Department of Defense.
“The United States military demands leadership that respects the rights and dignity of all who serve,” said Stiverson. “Tata’s disregard for diversity, workplace protections, and truth, combined with his inflammatory rhetoric, makes him wholly unfit for this critical role. We call on Congress to unequivocally reject his confirmation.”
Media contact: press@humanrightsfirst.org
