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The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) is expected to take on a more central role in cybersecurity policy under President Donald Trump’s second term, aligning with the original vision Congress had when it established the office in 2021. Experts say that with ONCD positioned as the primary cybersecurity policy leader within the executive branch, it will now have a more direct hand in shaping the nation’s cyber strategy.
A Shift in Leadership and Approach
The nomination of Sean Cairncross to lead ONCD signals that the Trump administration intends for the office to play a more active and authoritative role in cybersecurity policy coordination. Though he lacks direct cybersecurity leadership experience, Cairncross has strong political ties within the administration, which experts suggest could help elevate ONCD’s influence within the White House.
Cairncross previously served as a deputy assistant to the president and senior adviser to the White House chief of staff during Trump’s first term. His close relationships with key figures in the administration are seen as an advantage for ONCD, which had limited authority and visibility during the Biden administration, where cybersecurity policy was often led by the National Security Council (NSC).
By contrast, the Biden administration saw three different directors helm ONCD, with Harry Coker being the most recent. While Coker had extensive experience within the National Security Agency (NSA) and CIA, he lacked a direct personal connection to President Biden, which some analysts believe contributed to the office’s limited influence in shaping cybersecurity policies.
A More Defined Role for ONCD
The Biden administration relied heavily on NSC Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Technologies Anne Neuberger, who played a key role in cybersecurity policy. However, Neuberger left before Inauguration Day, and the Trump administration has since eliminated the position, signaling a shift in how cyber policy will be managed.
Under the new structure, ONCD is expected to take a more prominent role, with the NSC handling foreign policy and offensive cyber operations, while the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will focus on domestic cyber defense.
Jim Lewis, a veteran cybersecurity policy expert, noted that Cairncross’s political connections suggest he will have the clout to lead effectively, stating:
“You don’t appoint a politically powerful person if you intend to sideline the post.”
With ONCD taking a centralized role in coordinating cybersecurity policy, the administration aims to streamline interagency cooperation and eliminate redundancy in cyber-related policymaking.
Cybersecurity Policy Direction Under Trump
The staffing decisions made for the NSC’s cyber office further suggest that the Trump administration will place a strong emphasis on offensive cyber operations. Experts point to the selection of Alexei Bulazel, Emily Goldman, and JD Work as key figures in this strategy. Additionally, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz has publicly expressed support for a more aggressive approach in cyberspace.
“I expect to see more offense because the national security adviser says that’s their goal,” said Mark Montgomery, a key figure behind the creation of ONCD.
During the Biden administration, offensive cyber actions faced significant interagency pushback, with debates over the risks and consequences of more proactive cyber operations. Experts say that under Trump, there is a clear intent to increase the use of offensive cyber capabilities, though how effectively this will be implemented remains to be seen.
Streamlining Regulations and Cyber Policy
Another expected focus for ONCD under Trump is reducing regulatory burdens on private industry.
Brian Harrell, a former assistant secretary for infrastructure protection at the Department of Homeland Security, indicated that the office’s mission will include rolling back policies that are viewed as overly restrictive.
“Like last time, more regulation will be dismantled than introduced — and this is a good thing,” Harrell said.
He also emphasized that the lack of clear coordination among agencies handling cyber threats during the previous administration had created inefficiencies. Under the new structure, ONCD will act as the “quarterback” of the U.S. government’s cyber strategy, ensuring clearer communication across agencies.
Challenges and Unanswered Questions
While ONCD is expected to have greater influence under Trump, experts caution that a more aggressive cyber strategy alone will not be sufficient for long-term success.
Jim Lewis warned that the administration must balance offensive operations with international cyber diplomacy and engagement, saying:
“It has to be offense and engagement, and these folks don’t seem to be good at that. It’s a good team, but the question is how well they play on the field, and we don’t know that.”
Additionally, the evolving relationship between ONCD and the NSC will be critical. While ONCD is gaining influence, the NSC will continue to play an important role in convening agencies and resolving policy disputes.
Matt Pearl, a former NSC director, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach:
“The dynamics between the NSC and ONCD are going to be really important to them being effective.”
What’s Next for ONCD?
With Cairncross’s confirmation expected soon, the Trump administration’s cybersecurity policy will begin to take clearer shape. Key areas to watch include:
- How ONCD executes its leadership role in shaping national cybersecurity policy.
- The administration’s approach to offensive cyber operations and whether it leads to significant shifts in U.S. cyber strategy.
- Efforts to streamline regulations for private industry while maintaining robust cybersecurity standards.
- The working relationship between ONCD, NSC, CISA, and NSA, and how interagency cooperation evolves.
The restructuring of cybersecurity leadership in the White House marks a turning point in how cyber threats will be handled at the federal level. As cyberattacks against the U.S. continue to escalate, the effectiveness of these changes will be closely monitored by policymakers, industry leaders, and global allies alike.
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