Ivan Raiklin, born on February 29, 1976, is an American political operative, retired military officer, and constitutional attorney. His career spans over two decades in the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence, and special operations communities, where he served in various capacities, including as a Green Beret commander and military diplomat.
Military and Intelligence Career
Ivan Raiklin’s military service is marked by diverse roles across multiple continents. He operated in regions such as the Middle East, countering ISIS; Afghanistan, engaging the Taliban; and Central America, combating MS-13. Additionally, he served as a military diplomat in the Republic of Georgia, addressing Russian aggression. His linguistic proficiency in Russian, Spanish, Arabic, French, and English facilitated his international assignments. In the latter part of his military career, Ivan Raiklin was an instructor at the Joint Military Intelligence Training Center. Educating members of the U.S. intelligence community and international partners on intelligence analysis and national security.
Political Involvement and Election Theories
After retiring from the military, Ivan Raiklin became actively involved in political discourse, particularly concerning the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. He proposed the “Pence Card,” a legal theory suggesting that Vice President Mike Pence could reject certain electoral votes during the certification process. This theory, which lacked constitutional backing, was part of broader efforts to challenge the election results.
2024 Election Activities
In the lead-up to the 2024 Presidential election, Ivan Raiklin continued to advocate for controversial strategies. He proposed that Republican-controlled state legislatures should preemptively allocate their electoral votes to Donald Trump, irrespective of the popular vote outcomes. This proposal, based on an extreme interpretation of the independent state legislature theory, was particularly noted in states like North Carolina, where he cited potential disruptions from natural disasters as justification.
Association with Michael Flynn and “Secretary of Retribution” Role
A long-time associate of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, Ivan Raiklin has been involved in various initiatives aligned with Flynn’s political activities. In 2024, he was announced as a member of the board of directors for America’s Future, a nonprofit organization established by Flynn. Ivan Raiklin has also referred to himself as Trump’s “Secretary of Retribution,” advocating for actions against individuals he perceives as part of the “Deep State.” He has compiled a list of such individuals and suggested using constitutional sheriffs and military veterans to conduct raids against them, a proposal that has drawn significant criticism and concern.
Legal Challenges and Investigations
Raiklin’s political activities have led to multiple investigations by various federal agencies. Including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Defense Intelligence Agency. These investigations are related to his legal analyses and public statements challenging the 2020 election results. Despite facing professional and financial repercussions, Ivan Raiklinn continues to be an active figure in political circles. Particularly within movements questioning election integrity.
Educational Background and Personal Life
Details about Ivan Raiklin’s educational background and personal life are limited in public sources. His extensive military and legal careers suggest a background in law and military studies. But specific institutions and degrees are not publicly documented. Raiklin’s personal website and public profiles focus primarily on his professional achievements and political activities.
Conclusion
Ivan Raiklin’s career reflects a trajectory from military service to active involvement in political movements challenging established electoral processes. His proposals and actions continue to influence discussions on election integrity. The role of military and legal professionals in political advocacy. As of December 2024, Ivan Raiklin remains a contentious figure. With his activities eliciting both support and criticism across the political spectrum.
