The Pentagon is standing firmly behind Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata, who is facing a legal dispute in Florida connected to a self-described astrologer.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Fox News that Tata continues to enjoy full confidence from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"Under Secretary Tata has the complete and total confidence of Secretary Hegseth in his role and will continue to have his support," Parnell said. "Mr. Tata has done a fantastic job delivering on the priorities of this Department and this administration. We strongly stand by him."

According to a 17-page complaint filed in Palm Beach County and obtained by Fox News Digital, John Doe, whose personal details align with Tata, accused Amy Tripp of harassment, defamation and attempted extortion. The suit alleges she threatened his marriage and career while demanding money to remain silent.

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The filing states Doe and Tripp met in April 2024 on the dating app Bumble while Doe was working on a book and consulting about "astrological beliefs and related issues." 

Their relationship developed into both "a casual sexual relationship as well as a professional relationship regarding the astrology business." Doe also invested in Tripp’s company, Starheal LLC, in exchange for a 5% equity stake.

Court records show that a temporary restraining order was granted against Tripp on Aug. 7, 2025, after the alleged harassment escalated. A summons issued later that month ordered her to respond to the allegations within 20 days.

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While the Florida case unfolds, Tata’s career spans decades of military and public service. A retired Army brigadier general and novelist, he spent 28 years in uniform, including service in Afghanistan. After retiring, he transitioned into civilian leadership roles, including stints in education and as North Carolina’s transportation secretary.

Tata, a graduate of West Point, is also a recipient of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Combat Action Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, and Ranger Tab.

His public career has not been without turbulence. Tata resigned from the transportation post in 2015, following scrutiny from his management, and his nomination for a top Pentagon role in 2020 drew attention to past social media posts as reported by CNN. Tata later apologized for his remarks.

Tata’s current responsibilities overseeing personnel and readiness for the U.S. military remain the Pentagon's priority despite the legal challenge.

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Attorneys for John Doe in the Palm Beach County complaint did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that travelers to China face an "enhanced" risk of contracting a virus spread by mosquitoes. 

There has been an outbreak of chikungunya in Guangdong Province, which can cause fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash.

Recently, the CDC raised the warning related to chikungunya in China from Level 1: "Practice Usual Precautions" to Level 2: "Practice Enhanced Precautions."

The CDC says there are no medicines to treat chikungunya, and recommends preventing it by wearing insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, or staying in places that have air conditioning or screens on the windows and doors. 

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The department also recommends travelers heading to an area with an outbreak get the chikungunya vaccine, except for pregnant women. 

Pregnant women are urged to reconsider traveling to areas with an outbreak "particularly if you are close to delivering your baby." 

Mothers-to-be can pass the virus onto their children, especially if they’re near full-term, and infected newborns face the risk of "severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes."

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Newborns can be infected via the womb or by a mosquito bite after they’re born. 

"In general, vaccination against chikungunya should be deferred until after delivery, the CDC said in its release. "However, when the risk of infection is high and exposure cannot be avoided, pregnant travelers should discuss with their healthcare provider the potential risks (to themselves and their babies) of chikungunya virus infection and the potential benefits and risks of vaccination so that vaccination can be considered."

Travelers are advised to seek medical attention if they develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. 

Centered in Foshan City in Guangdong, officials have responded aggressively to the outbreak, a response that some have compared to COVId-19 mitigation efforts in China. 

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Joint pain caused by the virus can be "severe" and "debilitating and may be prolonged," according to the World Health Organization. 

Severe symptoms and death are rare and usually occur in babies, the elderly and people with underlying conditions.