Biden-era official and Democratic donor Col. Ricky Buria is gaining significant influence in Trump’s Department of Defense, sparking concerns about bureaucratic loyalties and political appointments. Buria is being considered for the chief of staff position despite having donated to Democratic causes. The White House personnel office is reviewing Buria’s transition to civilian service.
A Biden Holdover in Trump’s Pentagon
Marine Corps Col. Ricky Buria, who served as a senior military assistant to Biden’s Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, is now poised to assume a top civilian position in Trump’s Department of Defense. Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering Buria for the chief of staff position following the departure of Joe Kasper. This unusual transition comes as Buria has recently submitted paperwork to leave the Marine Corps and is currently on “terminal leave,” effectively transitioning out of active military service while maintaining his Pentagon role.
Buria was initially appointed to the Pentagon in April 2024 during the Biden administration and has remained as a “holdover” since Hegseth’s confirmation. His continued presence and expanding influence have raised significant questions about the vetting process for senior positions in what was expected to be a thoroughly restructured Department of Defense under Trump’s leadership. The unusual timing of his promotion to colonel in fall 2024, followed by his quick transition to civilian service, has further intensified scrutiny.
Interesting story. Despite the headline, there's no punchline; more a profile of Hegseth's assistant, Ricky Buria. On the one hand, a familiar Trump World story: Someone put in a key job w/o the level of experience one would fairly expect. Otoh, he's not a John McEntee. https://t.co/5ZSnEGUoGp pic.twitter.com/NuWVefyDRF
— Ira 'Greybeard Homer' Goldman 🦆🦆🦆 (@KDbyProxy) April 24, 2025
Expanding Influence and Political Ties
Since remaining at the Pentagon after the administration change, Buria has reportedly expanded his responsibilities significantly. These now include providing input on personnel decisions and attending high-level foreign policy briefings. He has maintained relationships with former Biden-era Pentagon staffers while becoming involved in meetings and official travel with Secretary Hegseth. This growing influence comes amid staffing turnover in Hegseth’s team that has created leadership gaps.
“Ricky was only the [Senior Military Assistant] because he was the only guy standing,” defense official
Adding to the controversy are reports that Buria recently made a financial contribution to a Democratic candidate, raising questions about his political allegiances. This revelation has fueled concern among some conservative observers who question whether officials appointed during the previous administration should hold positions of significant influence in departments responsible for implementing Trump’s agenda. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring bureaucratic continuity and maintaining political alignment.
🇺🇸 CNN: @RickyBuria has rapidly risen from military aide to a key, trusted adviser for SECDEF Hegseth. He's made headlines by submitting an unusual inquiry for a Signal use exception for Hegseth & pushing for a Signal computer in his office.
Buria abruptly decided to retire from… pic.twitter.com/xcElIf04dP
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) April 24, 2025
Uncertain Approval and Pentagon Reshaping
Buria’s potential appointment still faces hurdles. The White House personnel office is currently reviewing his transition to civilian service, which requires specific approval for senior advisory appointments. Some insiders question whether the White House would greenlight Buria’s appointment given his ties to the previous administration. Secretary Hegseth’s consideration of Buria comes as part of a broader effort to reshape Pentagon leadership amid reported internal tensions.
The developing situation at the Department of Defense underscores the complex challenge of administrative transitions between presidential administrations with opposing political philosophies. While career officials often bridge these transitions to maintain operational continuity, Buria’s case has brought renewed attention to questions about the proper balance between bureaucratic expertise and political alignment. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions within the federal government as the Trump administration works to implement its policy priorities.