As Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Anthony Tata becomes entangled in a civil legal dispute in Florida, the Pentagon is publicly affirming its full support for the senior official.
According to Fox News, the Department of Defense continues to back Tata as new court filings reveal details of a personal and business relationship with a self-identified astrologer, who is now accused of harassment and attempted extortion.
The case centers around a 17-page civil complaint filed in Palm Beach County, Florida, which names Tata as “John Doe.” The document outlines allegations against a woman named Amy Tripp, centering on her interactions with Tata after the two reportedly met on the dating application Bumble in April 2024.
Allegations Follow Dating App Encounter
According to the complaint, the relationship between Tata and Tripp evolved into both a physical and professional dynamic. The filing explains that beyond their personal interactions, Tata took an interest in Tripp's business, Starheal LLC—a company tied to astrology—and ultimately acquired a 5% ownership share. The legal filing further accuses Tripp of taking threatening actions towards Tata. These include claims of harassment, making defamatory statements, and pressuring Tata for money in exchange for confidentiality regarding their relationship. Notably, the complaint alleges that Tripp threatened to damage both Tata’s personal life, including his marriage, and his professional standing within the Pentagon if her demands were not met. Attorneys representing Tata, listed anonymously in the case, have not issued public comments in response to the accusations.
Restraining Order Issued Amid Harassment Claims
The civil dispute escalated over the summer, leading a Florida court to issue a temporary restraining order against Tripp on August 7, 2025. The order came after what Tata’s legal team described as a pattern of increasingly aggressive behavior from Tripp. Later in the same month, the court issued a formal summons to Tripp. She was granted 20 days to provide an official response to the complaint and its accompanying accusations. There was no immediate court schedule released for further proceedings in the case.
Despite the controversy surrounding the legal case, the Department of Defense has taken a clear stance in favor of Tata. Sean Parnell, the chief spokesman for the Pentagon, stated that Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains his complete confidence in Tata’s leadership and public service.
Pentagon Stands By Tata’s Record And Service
“Under Secretary Tata has the complete and total confidence of Secretary Hegseth in his role and will continue to have his support,” Parnell said in a public statement addressing the matter. He also noted that Tata had played a key role in implementing departmental priorities under the current administration.
“Mr. Tata has done a fantastic job delivering on the priorities of this Department and this administration,” Parnell added. “We strongly stand by him.” These statements came as scrutiny increased over whether personal legal challenges could impact Tata’s duties within the Pentagon. Tata is a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, having served 28 years in uniform. His deployments included missions in Afghanistan, and he has received several military honors, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal and Combat Action Badge. He graduated from West Point and held multiple command roles over his military career.
Background Includes State Leadership And Controversy
Following his military service, Tata continued serving in public roles. He was appointed North Carolina’s transportation secretary, a role he held until his resignation in 2015, which followed internal reviews of the department’s management. His entry into the Pentagon in a civilian capacity was not without controversy. In 2020, his nomination to a high-level defense position drew criticism due to his prior social media activity. Tata later issued an apology for the posts, and he was confirmed into his current position within the Department of Defense.
As undersecretary for personnel and readiness, Tata plays a central role in shaping policy for military forces. His office is tasked with key responsibilities tied to readiness, training, and overall personnel management across all service branches.
Legal Proceedings Unfold Amid Executive Duties
The Department of Defense has emphasized that Tata remains focused on executing his duties, despite the unfolding legal proceedings in Florida. His ongoing responsibilities include overseeing military training requirements and ensuring the preparedness of U.S. armed forces. The complaint suggests that at least some of the alleged threats to Tata’s career could extend into the realm of public perception. However, no federal charges have emerged, and the case remains a civil matter under Florida jurisdiction.
Fox News Digital reached out to Tata’s legal representatives for comment, but as of publication, no response had been received. It remains unclear whether Tata will make any public remarks regarding the situation as the court process moves forward.
Focus Remains On Mission Readiness
Despite the ongoing dispute, the Pentagon continues to signal that Tata’s focus remains unchanged. Officials have underscored his effectiveness in sustaining personnel preparedness and upholding the standards expected of the Department's senior leaders. The situation has attracted broader attention, given the sensitive nature of Tata’s role and the unusual nature of the allegations. However, at this stage, Pentagon leadership stands firm in its support of Tata’s ability to carry out strategic and operational goals.
As the civil case develops further in Palm Beach County, the Department of Defense is likely to come under additional scrutiny for how it balances personal legal issues among its top leadership with institutional accountability and public confidence.
