President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Sean Cairncross, a former administration official, and Republican lawyer, as the next national cyber director, according to a document obtained by POLITICO.
Sean Cairncross previously served as the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation during the initial Trump administration, overseeing a U.S. foreign aid agency focused on promoting economic growth in other countries. Before leading the MCC, Cairncross held the position of deputy assistant to the president. While his experience is not primarily in cybersecurity, his leadership roles demonstrate a strong background in government affairs.
Sean Cairncross's Background
Prior to his role at the MCC, Cairncross was the chief operating officer at the Republican National Committee and also served as the chief counsel. His involvement in Republican party operations positioned him well for his subsequent leadership roles within the Trump administration. Last year, Cairncross played a crucial role in managing RNC finances leading up to the presidential election.
Trump's nomination of Cairncross is part of a larger list of nominees that the president plans to submit to the Senate for confirmation. A source with knowledge of the nomination independently confirmed Cairncross's selection to POLITICO.
Notably, the National Cyber Director position was established by Congress in 2021 and operates within the White House. The role has been unoccupied since the beginning of Trump's second term, following the tenure of Harry Coker.
Despite not being previously considered for the position, Cairncross's nomination underscores the administration's focus on bolstering cybersecurity efforts. The White House and the National Security Council have yet to comment on the nomination.