A top aide to War Secretary Pete Hegseth has moved up to become the Pentagon chief of staff after he served in an acting role for the same job over the past eight months, according to a report.
Ricky Buria received the promotion despite initial opposition from the White House earlier this year, Politico reported on Friday. The executive office held up Buria’s appointment as a full-time chief of staff, while he served as a senior adviser to Hegseth since April. The promotion was reflected on Buria’s LinkedIn profile.
An official at the Department of War confirmed Buria is now chief of staff. The Washington Examiner also contacted the White House for comment.
The White House Presidential Personnel Office previously blocked Buria’s bid for the role, reportedly over concerns that he was a holdover from the Biden administration. Before working for the Trump administration, he served as a junior military aide under former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Additionally, records show he donated at least $100 to a Democratic congressional candidate in 2023.
The Pentagon official’s past history suggests he may not be entirely in line with President Donald Trump’s agenda. Based on the promotion, that does not appear to be a concern for Hegseth.
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There also appears to be friction between the White House and the Pentagon after Buria tried to oust Patrick Weaver, a fellow senior adviser to Hegseth, and Matthew McNitt, a White House liaison to the Pentagon. Both attempts were unsuccessful. In the case of McNitt, the White House directly intervened to prevent his termination.
After spending two decades in the Marine Corps, Buria retired from military service as a colonel despite having only held that rank since November 2024. Trump had to get involved to allow Buria to retire with the rank. Federal law requires at least three years in a particular rank before most military officers can retire with it, but the president may grant a waiver in certain cases.
