Trump’s pick to lead CISA withdraws nomination after months of political impasse

President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the government’s civilian cyber defense agency is withdrawing from consideration after his candidacy languished in the Senate.

Sean Plankey informed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and the White House of his intentions on Wednesday, Plankey confirmed to POLITICO.

“After thirteen months since my initial nomination, it has become clear the Senate will not confirm me,” reads a letter Plankey sent to the White House Wednesday, which was viewed by POLITICO. “While I humbly request the removal of my nomination, I wholeheartedly support President Trump’s upcoming nomination for CISA and look forward to the continued success of the United States of America.”

Spokespeople for the White House, DHS and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Trump nominated Sean Plankey to lead CISA in March 2025. He was largely viewed as a stabilizing pick for the agency, and advanced out of the Homeland Security Committee following a low-drama 9-6 vote in July. He was renominated for the role in January alongside a slate of other nominees.

But the GOP Senate majority was unable to achieve the unanimity needed to advance his nomination, largely due to resistance from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) over a contested Coast Guard shipbuilding project.

Plankey spent most of his time awaiting confirmation as a senior adviser to then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Coast Guard issues. He stepped down from that role shortly before Noem’s departure last month.

During Trump’s first term, Plankey served in cybersecurity roles on the National Security Council and the Energy Department.

Plankey’s withdrawal is the latest leadership shakeup at the top cyber defense agency, which has lost around one-third of its personnel since Trump returned to office. The agency has also cycled through interim leadership, with former acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala reassigned in late February after a series of mishaps that alarmed current and former agency officials.

Nick Andersen took over as acting director following Gottumukkala's departure. Andersen can remain in the role for several months while the agency waits for the White House to put forth another candidate for the Senate-confirmed position.

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