Cybersecurity Policy Report, White House Cyber Nominee Wins Senate Confirmation, (Aug 4, 2025)
Organizations Mentioned:USTelecom
Sean Cairncross was confirmed by a Senate vote of 59-35 on Saturday to lead the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD).
Mr. Cairncross will be only the third Senate-confirmed director of ONCD, an office that was established in 2021.
“It is an incredible honor to serve our country and this President as the National Cyber Director,” Mr. Cairncross said in a statement. “As the cyber strategic environment continues to evolve, we must ensure our policy efforts and capabilities deliver results for our national security and the American people. The United States must dominate the cyber domain through strong collaboration across departments and agencies, as well as private industry.”
Mr. Cairncross previously was chief executive officer of the Millennium Challenge Corp. and a senior adviser to the White House chief of staff during President Trump’s first administration.
Following his confirmation, Mr. Cairncross received congratulations and advice from several groups.
“Director Cairncross’ confirmation comes as foreign adversaries continue to attack U.S. critical infrastructure and the supply chains underpinning the digital economy. We urge Director Cairncross to focus on a strategic, coordinated approach to U.S. cyber policy,” Jason Oxman, president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, said in a statement.
“Congratulations to our new National Cyber Director, Sean Cairncross,” USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter said in a statement.
“The broadband industry is ready to work closely with him to advance smart, coordinated, and effective strategies that protect the nation’s critical infrastructure against our adversaries. His strong commitment to deepening public-private collaboration will be vital to strengthening our collective cyber defense and ensuring the resilient systems that power America’s economy and daily life," Mr. Spalter added.
“I want to extend my congratulations to Sean Cairncross on his confirmation by the United States Senate to serve as the next National Cyber Director,” Frank Cilluffo, director of the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, said in a statement.
“As a relatively new institution, ONCD continues to evolve,” Mr. Cilluffo said. “Sean’s leadership, experience, and commitment to public service will be vital to the Office’s growth into the center of gravity for cyber strategy, planning, coordination, and response.”
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