Trump Administration Keeps Dual-Hat Leadership for NSA, Cyber Command
The Trump administration has reversed its earlier plans to divide the leadership of U.S. Cybersecurity Command and the National Security Agency, deciding to maintain the 'dual-hat' leadership arrangement. This decision, made without official White House documentation, is expected to be welcomed by some in the U.S. clandestine community, while others remain uncomfortable with a uniformed military officer heading the world's largest spy agency.
The decision to keep the dual-hat leadership was influenced by several factors. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed that dissolving the arrangement would be a lengthy and arduous process, potentially taking up to three years. Furthermore, it was estimated that another three years would be needed to fully reassemble the organizations. The Trump administration has accepted this status quo, marking a reversal from its earlier plans.
Congressional leaders, including Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), have expressed support for maintaining the dual-hat leadership arrangement. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine also wrote that the relationship should remain in place, as it empowers both organizations to fulfill their missions better than each could do alone. This sentiment was echoed by former Cybersecurity Command and NSA chief Paul Nakasone during the Biden administration.
According to recent reports, former US President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Lieutenant General William Hartman to lead both the National Security Agency (NSA) and US Cybersecurity Command. The administration has also named Joseph Francescon as the next NSA deputy director, and both nominees support the existing leadership setup.
The Trump administration's decision to maintain the dual-hat leadership of U.S. Cybersecurity Command and the National Security Agency is expected to streamline operations and empower both organizations. While some in the U.S. clandestine community may have reservations, the move has been supported by key figures in the administration, Congress, and the military. The new leadership appointments are expected to further solidify this arrangement.
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