The administration of President Donald Trump has come to the defense of a Trump appointee who is facing significant criticism for an affair he had with a "master astrologist." 

This is according to a new report from The Cut.

The appointee is Anthony Tata, who in the new lawsuit is described as "John Doe." The astrologer is Amy Tripp.

A Trump Defense Department official sued an astrologer, Amy Tripp, a.k.a. Starheal, with whom he had a 15-month-long affair, after she allegedly texted his wife, “He won’t get confirmed. He’s cooked.’ https://t.co/GVEfYbFYR2

— The Cut (@TheCut) August 29, 2025

The lawsuit

The Cut exclusively reported on the lawsuit that has been brought by Tata, or "John Doe."

The outlet reports, "On August 22, a John Doe filed a lawsuit against Tripp in Palm Beach County, Florida, accusing her of harassment, bullying, and defamation."

It continues:

In the 17-page suit, Doe claims he and Tripp met on Bumble in April 2024 while he was in the process of writing a book “and was consulting regarding astrological beliefs and related issues.” . . . In June 2025, according to the lawsuit, Tripp informed Doe that “the astrological signs told her that John Doe’s confirmation to his position in the Department of Defense was imminent.” Doe claims that, owing to his impending confirmation, he broke up with Tripp via text, saying he intended to reconcile with his wife.

This, according to the lawsuit, is when things went south.

The Cut reports:

From there, the suit alleges, Tripp began “lashing out” and publicly posting false information about John Doe and his wife, repeatedly calling them and threatening them with violence. The alleged harassment prompted Doe to file for a temporary restraining order...

Pentagon comes to Tata's defense

According to the Daily Mail, the Pentagon, which is currently led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has released a statement on the matter, and, to the surprise of some, the Trump administration is standing firmly behind Tata.

"Under Secretary Tata has the complete and total confidence of Secretary Hegseth in his role and will continue to have his support," the statement reads.

It continues, "'Mr. Tata has done a fantastic job delivering on the priorities of this Department and this administration."

Tripp, for her part, is claiming that it is Tata who is making a big deal out of all of this.

In a recent social media message, she wrote:

I have tried to move past this but these lawsuits are not letting it end. I know I have to wait until the legal process plays out, and as it does it will be clear I'm innocent of what they are accusing me of.