Trump's CISA Nominee Withdraws After 13-Month Delay

Sean Plankey, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, withdrew his name from Senate consideration on Wednesday after more than a year of delays. The move leaves the key federal cyber defense agency without a permanent director amid ongoing workforce challenges and heightened national security threats.

Plankey, a veteran cybersecurity expert, was first nominated in March 2025 to head the agency, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security and coordinates efforts to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks. His confirmation process stalled due to holds placed by several senators, including Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida over concerns related to Coast Guard shipbuilding contracts, and Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, who objected to the agency's refusal to release an unclassified report on vulnerabilities in the U.S. telecommunications sector.

In a letter to the White House, Plankey cited the prolonged impasse as the reason for his decision. "After thirteen months since my initial nomination, it has become clear the Senate will not confirm me," he wrote. "While I humbly request the removal of my...