US Colonel suspended amid probe into flipped Trump, Hegseth portraits

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Apr 2025 23:21

Fort McCoy’s first female commander, Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez, is suspended as the Army probes tampered portraits of Trump and Hegseth, sparking questions over leadership and protocol.

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Sheyla Baez Ramirez (US army)

The US Army has suspended Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez, the first woman to serve as garrison commander of Fort McCoy, while it investigates an incident involving tampered portraits on the base's command wall.

The matter came to light after the Department of Defense shared images on April 14 showing that portraits of President Donald Trump and Fox News host Pete Hegseth had been turned to face the wall. A follow-up photo confirmed the portraits had been restored to their proper position.

"Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy ... WE FIXED IT!" the department posted on X. "Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened."

DEI: Fort McCoy’s Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez refuses to display SecDef and POTUS photographs. When will she be relieved from command?

h/t @noCinErik pic.twitter.com/TjnX8x5GAm
— @amuse (@amuse) April 13, 2025

In an undated statement posted to Fort McCoy's website, the Army announced Baez Ramirez's suspension, clarifying that the decision "isn't related to any misconduct," but declined to share further details, citing an ongoing review.

Colonel Baez Ramirez assumed her leadership role at Fort McCoy in July 2024. A military intelligence officer since 1999, she has held senior positions including chief of operations at the US Army Reserve Command and deputy commander of the 501st Military Intelligence Brigade. Her record includes the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, among other honors.

Fort McCoy, a sprawling 93-square-mile training facility in western Wisconsin, has served as a key military installation since 1909. Base officials have yet to respond to media requests for additional comment regarding the incident or Baez Ramirez's suspension.