Eric Lieberman, DCNF

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.

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.

Mr. President, if you really want to put America first, don’t cut the White House Cybersecurity Coordinator — the only person in the federal government tasked with delivering a coordinated, whole-of-government response to the growing cyber threats facing our nation. https://t.co/MRkwA8et7y

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 15, 2018

Here’s the point: we should be investing in our nation’s cyber defense, not rolling it back. We also need to articulate a clear cyber doctrine. I don’t see how getting rid of the top cyber official in the White House does anything to make our country safer from cyber threats.

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) May 15, 2018

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.

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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