Trump Reportedly Nominates Sean Cairncross as National Cyber Director Amid Cybersecurity Policy Shifts

Former Republican National Committee (RNC) chief operating officer Sean Cairncross is expected to be nominated as the next head of the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) under President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports. Cairncross’s name appeared on a list of upcoming White House nominations obtained by Politico and Axios.

Key Role in Cyber Policy

As national cyber director, Cairncross will help shape the administration’s cybersecurity policies, coordinate national cyber strategy, and advise the president on cyber threats. Unlike the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which focuses on operational security, the ONCD oversees broad national cybersecurity policy and previously led the development of President Biden’s 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Cairncross’s Background

Cairncross has an extensive political and leadership background, having served as:

• CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) from 2019 to 2020, overseeing global economic development programs.
• Deputy assistant to President Trump and senior adviser to the White House chief of staff.
• COO of the RNC during the 2016 election cycle.

However, he lacks direct cybersecurity experience, raising concerns about his ability to manage the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Recent Cybersecurity Appointments & Policy Changes

If confirmed, Cairncross would replace Harry Coker Jr., a former CIA official who served as cyber director from December 2023 to January 2025. His nomination follows the reported appointment of Alexei Bulazel, a former Apple security researcher, as senior director for cyber at the National Security Council (NSC).

Since taking office, the Trump administration has already made significant cybersecurity policy changes, including:

• Rescinding a Biden-era AI executive order that required adherence to safety and ethical guidelines.
• Dismissing members of CISA’s Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), which was investigating Chinese cyber threats against US infrastructure.
• Placing 17 CISA staffers on leave as part of a cost-cutting review under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

With cybersecurity policies shifting under the new administration, Cairncross’s nomination signals a new direction in national cyber strategy, though his lack of cybersecurity expertise raises questions about how the ONCD will navigate emerging threats.