Overview
- The White House asked the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees to approve Rudd’s promotion to four-star for the dual-hatted post, with the nomination entered in the Congressional Record.
- Sen. Mark Warner said the committees received the nomination and pledged to evaluate Rudd’s qualifications, while criticizing how long the seat has been vacant.
- Rudd is the deputy commander at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and has no prior military cybersecurity assignments, and a person familiar told reporters his background aligns with countering Chinese cyber threats.
- Lt. Gen. William Hartman remains the acting chief and is expected to retire once a permanent leader is confirmed, according to prior reporting.
- Gen. Timothy Haugh was removed in April, which Defense One reported was apparently influenced by activist Laura Loomer, and NSA has reported workforce strain after shedding about 2,000 positions this year.