The Biden administration’s 2023 isn’t off to the best start on several fronts, including staffing.
In the latest surprising exit, Chris Inglis, the first-ever National Cyber Director for the United States, announced his intention to step down from the post last week, according to Politico.
To be fair, Inglis spent 30 years in government service and at his age, retirement is certainly not uncommon, but it’s the timing that once again looks terrible for the struggling Biden administration.
Inglis was also a former National Security Agency (NSA) deputy director.
Official announcement
Inglis made his intentions known in a tweet last week and included the usual courtesies in such statements.
“Today I am stepping down from my role as the Nation’s inaugural National Cyber Director at @ONCD. I do so with the utmost gratitude to @POTUS, @VP, and Congress for giving me the opportunity to serve in this Administration,” Inglis tweeted.
“It’s my great honor to have my name associated with the people of @ONCD who stewarded this organization from its very first days. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to watching what
@ONCD and its partners will achieve in the future.”
“Mr. President, thank you for placing your trust in me and for placing such a high priority on providing a safe, equitable, and resilient cyberspace for all.”
Today I am stepping down from my role as the Nation’s inaugural National Cyber Director at @ONCD. I do so with the utmost gratitude to @POTUS, @VP, and Congress for giving me the opportunity to serve in this Administration.
— Chris Inglis (@ncdinglis) February 15, 2023
Dark Reading noted:
He most recently worked to craft the government’s National Cyber Strategy, which President Biden is expected to announce in the coming days. It reportedly goes much further than previous cybersecurity policies and executive orders, according to The Washington Post, which obtained a draft copy.
The latest exit
Earlier this year, former chief of staff Ron Klain generated massive headlines with his resignation announcement, which came around the same time as the president was taking increased heat over his classified documents scandal.
Brian Deese, director of the National Economic Council was one of the latest high-profile Biden administration members to resign.
Many believe that it won’t be long before more follow suit.
They might have attempted to play it down in the first year, but the ongoing failures of the current White House are probably not something these people want on their permanent resumes.
