Trump Army Appointee Pressured to Divest Defense Contractor Stock

Washington, D.C., USA

Michael Obadal, appointed to a major Army acquisition role by President Trump, is under fire for holding significant stock in Anduril Industries—a defense contractor his office will oversee. After journalists revealed the conflict, lawmakers from both parties demanded he divest or step away from any dealings that could benefit Anduril. Obadal has promised to comply “as appropriate,” but critics say this scenario highlights the “revolving door” between government and private industry.

What this means for you:

•	If you’re tracking defense spending or procurement, conflicts of interest may mean higher costs and less accountability.
•	Taxpayers deserve clarity on whether officials can profit from contracts they influence—so watch for emerging ethics rules.
•	In the meantime, consider contacting your representatives if you want stricter divestment guidelines for appointed officials.

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