President Trump to Nominate Sean Cairncross as National Cyber Director

President Donald Trump is reportedly set to nominate Sean Cairncross, former chief operating officer of the Republican National Committee (RNC), as the new head of the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), according to multiple reports.

Background on the Role

As national cyber director, Cairncross will play a key role in developing and shaping US cybersecurity policies in the new administration. The ONCD serves as one of the principal advisers to the president on cybersecurity matters. Unlike the US Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency (CISA), which handles operational cybersecurity and directly engages with federal agencies, ONCD’s primary mission is to develop a high-level, whole-of-nation cybersecurity strategy.

Cairncross’s Background

Cairncross is a former RNC official and CEO of the independent US foreign aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He brings considerable political experience but lacks formal cybersecurity credentials. As CEO of the MCC from 2019 to 2020, Cairncross oversaw the agency’s efforts to alleviate poverty through economic growth in developing nations. Before that, he was deputy assistant to President Trump and senior adviser to the White House chief of staff, and had served as chief operating officer (COO) of the RNC during the 2016 election cycle.

Successor to Harry Coker Jr.

If confirmed, Cairncross fills the role formerly held by Harry Coker Jr., a former CIA senior executive and career Naval officer who served as the White House national cyber director from December 2023 to January, 2025. Coker now serves as Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary after his appointment by Maryland Governor Wes Moore in late January.

Trump’s Cybersecurity Strategy

The nomination of Cairncross as national cyber director marks a significant development in the Trump administration’s still nascent but evolving cyber strategy. In just four weeks in the White House, Trump has implemented changes that have sent ripples through the cybersecurity industry.

Rescinding Biden Executive Orders

One of his first acts in office was to rescind a Biden administration executive order that required developers of major artificial intelligence projects and systems to adhere to safety and ethical guidelines. However, he has left two other Biden cybersecurity executive orders untouched thus far: EO 14111, Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity; and EO 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.

Impact on CISA

The Trump administration’s moves have also impacted CISA, as well. Earlier this week, 17 CISA staffers involved in efforts to combat election-related threats were placed on leave pending an internal review of their work. In a report last week, NPR quoted unnamed CISA staffers as saying they had received deferred resignation offers as part of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) efforts to cut costs across the federal government.

Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

The nomination of Cairncross as national cyber director marks a significant development in the Trump administration’s evolving cyber strategy. The Trump administration’s moves have impacted CISA and sent ripples through the cybersecurity industry. As the administration continues to shape its cyber strategy, it remains to be seen how Cairncross’s appointment will impact the nation’s cybersecurity efforts.