Ivan Raiklin is a multifaceted figure whose life spans military service, legal expertise, and controversial political activism. Born on February 29, 1976, to Russian immigrants who fled to the United States in 1974, Raiklin has built a reputation as a former U.S. Army Green Beret, lawyer, and entrepreneur.
His career in the military lasted over two decades, during which he rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, specializing in special operations and intelligence. Beyond his service, Raiklin has emerged as a vocal far-right operative, closely associated with figures like Michael Flynn, and has been involved in efforts to challenge the 2020 U.S. presidential election results through unproven claims of fraud.
Standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, Raiklin’s physical stature belies his larger-than-life presence in conservative circles. He is known for his endurance feats, such as running 22 miles a day across Virginia in 2017 to raise awareness about veteran suicide, covering a symbolic 1,776 miles. This initiative highlighted his commitment to military comrades, drawing from his own experiences in the Special Forces community.
Raiklin’s polyglot abilities, including fluency in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian, have aided his roles in military diplomacy and intelligence. Today, he positions himself as a “Deep State Marauder” and self-proclaimed “Secretary of Retribution,” using his platform to target perceived enemies of former President Donald Trump.
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Military Career and Green Beret Legacy
Ivan Raiklin’s journey in the U.S. Army began shortly after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 1997, when he enlisted as an infantryman. He quickly advanced, commissioning as an officer and transitioning into intelligence roles before qualifying as a Special Forces officer, earning the coveted Green Beret. Over his 25-year career, which included active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service, Raiklin served in various capacities, from infantry to military diplomat and intel officer. His assignments took him to Texas, where he commanded a National Guard special forces unit, and involved work with the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Retiring in August 2022, Raiklin often reflects on his service to underscore his patriotic credentials. His Green Beret training emphasized unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and building alliances—skills he later applied in civilian pursuits. In 2017, his cross-Virginia run not only spotlighted the tragic rate of 22 veteran suicides per day but also showcased his resilience, forged in the rigors of Special Forces selection. Raiklin credits his military background with instilling discipline and a sense of justice, themes that permeate his post-service activities. As a husband and father living in Fairfax County, Virginia, he balances family life with advocacy for veterans’ issues, though his later political turns have sometimes overshadowed these efforts.
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Political Ambitions and Online Influence
Ivan Raiklin’s foray into politics began in earnest with a 2018 bid for the U.S. Senate in Virginia as a Republican, though he failed to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot. Undeterred, he sued the party and state, but the case was dismissed as untimely. His political profile surged in 2020 when he authored the “Pence Card,” a memo tweeted to Donald Trump suggesting Vice President Mike Pence could unilaterally reject electoral votes from certain states amid baseless fraud allegations. Trump retweeted it, amplifying Raiklin’s ideas and cementing his role in election denial circles.
On social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), Raiklin maintains an active presence under the handle @IvanRaiklin, boasting over 250,000 followers. His account serves as a hub for conservative commentary, calls for accountability against “deep state” actors, and promotion of retribution against Trump’s opponents. Posts often blend his military ethos with fiery rhetoric, drawing both support and criticism.
Ivan Raiklin has faced scrutiny, including an Army Reserve investigation into potential violations of rules against partisan activity. Despite controversies, including backlash for inflammatory statements, he continues to appear on podcasts and at events like the Rod of Iron Freedom Festival, outlining strategies for future elections. His online persona reflects a blend of veteran advocacy and unyielding political warfare, making him a polarizing figure in American discourse.
