Eric Greitens, American lieutenant

Eric Robert Greitens, born on April 10, 1974, is an American figure whose career has spanned the demanding worlds of military service, philanthropy, literature, and politics. Known for his intense drive and diverse accomplishments, Greitens served as the 56th Governor of Missouri from January 2017 until his dramatic resignation in June 2018, a decision that followed a series of serious allegations concerning sexual misconduct and campaign finance impropriety. His journey, marked by both notable achievements and significant controversy, has made him a recurring subject in American political discourse.

Early Life, Education, and Formative Years

Born and raised in the vibrant urban landscape of St. Louis, Missouri, Eric Greitens's foundational years instilled in him a strong sense of purpose and academic excellence. His intellectual pursuits led him to Duke University, where he graduated in 1996. Demonstrating exceptional scholarly promise, Greitens was awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, enabling him to pursue advanced studies at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, in the United Kingdom. There, he earned a doctorate in 2000, a testament to his rigorous academic commitment and a stepping stone toward a career dedicated to service and leadership.

A Distinguished Military Career

Following his academic achievements, Greitens answered the call to serve his country with distinction in the U.S. Navy. He embarked on a highly demanding path, becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL officer, a role that saw him complete four tours of duty in some of the world's most challenging environments. During his time in uniform, he rose to the rank of lieutenant commander and commanded a unit specifically tasked with targeting Al-Qaeda. His bravery and leadership were recognized with several significant commendations, including the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart, awarded for wounds sustained in combat. His military service profoundly shaped his worldview and commitment to aiding others.

Transition to Public Service and Philanthropy

Upon concluding his decorated military career, Greitens continued his dedication to public life, initially serving as a White House Fellow. This experience provided him with valuable insight into the intricacies of national policy and governance. Drawing upon his personal experiences and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by returning service members, Greitens founded a nonprofit organization, The Mission Continues. Established in 2007, this organization is dedicated to empowering veterans to find purpose through community impact and continues to be a vital resource for those transitioning from military to civilian life. His work with The Mission Continues garnered widespread recognition, leading Time magazine to include him in its esteemed list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013, highlighting his significant impact as an advocate and innovator.

Political Ascendancy in Missouri

Greitens's political path took a significant turn in 2015 when he announced a crucial shift in his political affiliation. Having previously identified as a Democrat during his early life, he declared himself a Republican, signaling his intention to seek public office under the conservative banner. This change set the stage for his 2016 gubernatorial campaign in Missouri. Demonstrating a formidable campaign strategy, Greitens successfully navigated a competitive Republican primary, prevailing over three opponents. He then advanced to the general election, where he defeated the Democratic Missouri Attorney General, Chris Koster, in a closely watched race. His victory marked a historic moment, as he became Missouri's first Jewish governor.

Governor of Missouri: Term and Key Policies

Upon taking office in January 2017 as Missouri's 56th governor, Greitens immediately set about implementing his conservative agenda. One of his signature accomplishments during his tenure was signing Missouri's right-to-work law. This legislation, a long-sought goal for many Republicans and business advocates, aimed to prohibit mandatory union membership or the payment of union dues as a condition of employment. However, the law's passage sparked considerable opposition from labor unions and their allies, ultimately leading to its repeal by a statewide referendum in 2018, underscoring the deep divisions surrounding labor policy in the state. Despite this, his administration pursued other policy initiatives aimed at reducing government spending and regulation.

Allegations, Investigations, and Resignation

Greitens's promising political career was dramatically cut short in June 2018 amid a torrent of serious allegations that led to his resignation. The initial controversies surfaced in February 2018 when he was charged with felony invasion of privacy, stemming from allegations of taking a non-consensual photo of a woman in a compromising position during an extramarital affair. These charges were followed by accusations of campaign-related offenses, and in April 2018, he was indicted on felony charges of computer tampering. While all criminal charges against Greitens were ultimately dropped in May 2018, the political fallout was immense. Concurrently, a bipartisan Special Investigative Committee in the Missouri state legislature launched its own inquiry. In early 2018, Greitens's former hairdresser accused him of sexual assault. The legislative committee investigated this claim and, after its review, found the woman to be "overall credible," issuing a detailed report on the incident. Facing the prospect of an impeachment process, which the Missouri legislature had already commenced a special session to consider, Greitens announced his resignation from office on June 1, 2018, bringing an abrupt end to his gubernatorial term.

Post-Governorship and Continued Political Ambitions

In the period following his resignation, various investigations continued to unfold. In February 2020, the Missouri Ethics Commission released a report regarding its campaign investigation. The commission stated that its inquiry did not find wrongdoing on Greitens's part individually, nor did it conclude that he had knowledge of two specific reporting issues identified within his campaign. Despite the controversies surrounding his previous tenure, Greitens signaled his intention to remain active in the political sphere. On March 22, 2021, he officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring incumbent, Roy Blunt, in the 2022 election, seeking a return to public service on a national stage.

FAQs

What role did Eric Greitens hold in Missouri politics?

Eric Greitens served as the 56th Governor of Missouri from January 2017 until his resignation in June 2018.

What factors led to Governor Greitens's resignation?

His resignation came amid allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign finance impropriety. While criminal charges related to these allegations were eventually dropped, the threat of impeachment by the Missouri legislature was a significant factor.

Was Eric Greitens a U.S. Navy SEAL?

Yes, Eric Greitens is a former U.S. Navy SEAL officer who completed four tours of duty and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

What is The Mission Continues?

The Mission Continues is a nonprofit organization founded by Eric Greitens to empower veterans to find purpose through community impact and continued service after their military careers.

Has Eric Greitens sought public office since his resignation as governor?

Yes, in March 2021, Eric Greitens announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat for Missouri in the 2022 election.

Was Eric Greitens the first Jewish governor of Missouri?

Yes, Eric Greitens made history as Missouri's first Jewish governor upon taking office in January 2017.