Biden taps Air Force General for NSA, Cyber


U.S. President Joe Biden has nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Timothy Haugh to head both the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command, a U.S. official said on Tuesday. The official confirmed a Politico report that cited an Air Force notice sent out Monday. Haugh is now the deputy commander of the military’s U.S. Cyber Command, reporting to the current NSA and Cyber Command chief, Paul Nakasone. The Associated Press has the story:

Biden taps Air Force Genral for NSA, Cyber

Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)

President Joe Biden has chosen a new leader for the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, a joint position that oversees much of America’s cyber warfare and defense.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, the current deputy commander of Cyber Command, would replace Army Gen. Paul Nakasone, who has led both organizations since May 2018 and was expected to step down this year, according to a notice sent by the Air Force this week and confirmed by a person familiar with the announcement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters not yet made public.

If confirmed, Haugh will take charge of highly influential U.S. efforts to bolster Ukraine’s cybersecurity and share information with Ukrainian forces fighting Russia’s invasion. He will also oversee programs to detect and stop foreign influence and interference in American elections, as well as those targeting criminals behind ransomware attacks that have shut down hospital systems and at one point a key U.S. fuel pipeline.

Politico first reported that Haugh was picked.

President Joe Biden speaks as he meets with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of Calif., to discuss the debt limit in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, May 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

It’s unclear whether Haugh will be affected by a Republican senator’s blockade of all military nominations. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has for months objected to the Pentagon’s policy of providing travel money and support to troops seeking abortions but based in states with abortion bans.

Haugh’s nomination to lead both the NSA and Cyber Command reflects the White…

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