Earl G. Matthews
Role: Contributor
Position: Senior Fellow, The Vandenberg Coalition
Background:
Earl G. Matthews is a highly accomplished attorney and military officer with extensive experience in national security and defense policy. During the Trump administration, he served as Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Senior Director for Defense Policy and Strategy on the National Security Council (NSC). Matthews was instrumental in shaping national security policies, including the planning and establishment of the United States Space Force. Additionally, he served as Principal Deputy General Counsel of the Department of the Army, where he provided legal counsel on a range of defense-related issues. Matthews holds multiple advanced degrees, including a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.S. in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, an LL.M. in National Security Law from Georgetown University, and an M.S. in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Relation to Trump:
Matthews played a significant role in the Trump administration’s national security strategy. His work involved advising on defense policy and strategy, including the development of the Space Force, which was a major initiative of Trump’s defense agenda. His position at the NSC allowed him to directly influence the administration’s approach to national security and defense matters.
Scandals or Controversies:
In December 2021, Matthews faced controversy when he released a memo accusing senior military officials of misrepresenting facts related to the January 6th Capitol riot. This memo was highly contentious and contributed to significant debate about the accuracy and interpretation of events surrounding the riot.