White House Eliminates A Top Cybersecurity Post

bolton cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: National Security Advisor John Bolton (R), listens to U.S. President Donald Trump as he speaks about the FBI raid at lawyer Michael Cohen's office, while receiving a briefing from senior military leaders regarding Syria, in the Cabinet Room, on April 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. The FBI raided the office of Michael Cohen on Monday as part of the ongoing investigation into the president's administration. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Eric Lieberman on May 15, 2018

President Donald Trump’s administration has officially eliminated its top cybersecurity post at the behest of new national security adviser John Bolton, according to a Politico report published Tuesday.

The executive dismissal comes a week after Politico first reported Bolton was highly considering removing the White House role of cyber policy adviser.

The move is reportedly part of a larger maneuver to “streamline authority” for the leadership of the national security council teams.

Formerly of NSA, Rob Joyce left his position as cyber coordinator May 11 and will once again serve within the federal surveillance agency, according to Politico.

Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner perceived initial reports of Bolton cutting out the post as a danger since attacks on virtual systems on both America’s private and public sectors appear to be increasing either in intensity, prevalence, or both. He expressed his deep-seated criticism of such a move before Politico officially confirmed it, while also detailing several areas of concerns whether it’s Russia, China, Iran or the go it alone, individual online menace. (RELATED: White House Considering Ban On Personal Cell Phones)

A representative for Bolton asserted her superior’s action helps in “eliminating another layer of bureaucracy.”

While the White House still has Michael Kratsios, the U.S. deputy chief technology officer, not having a cyber coordinator — who was in charge of a team of directors who worked with other agencies and institutions for national security purposes, among others — could be seen as a critically huge vacancy. (RELATED: White House Removes Head Cybersecurity Officer)

Now, like the head science advisor, the White House doesn’t have a chief cybersecurity advisor, a position designed to help lead such technical efforts pursuant to defense — something Bolton sees as a net benefit.

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DCwire features investigative reporting syndicated with permission from the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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