New Cyber ​​Command and NSA chief speaks calmly after Ho’s controversial resignation

Lt. Gen. William Hartman spoke publicly before the Senate for the first time since the unexpected dismissal of his predecessor, Tim Ho, dodging direct questions and focusing on the modernization of Cyber ​​Command and the Chinese threat.

1. Despite the fact that the hearing before the Senate committee lasted less than an hour, key senators spoke more about their outrage at Ho’s resignation than about Hartman’s plans. Senator Mike Rounds bluntly stated that leaders of Ho’s caliber are “rare” and their loss without explanation is alarming. Democrat Jack Reed also criticized the Trump administration’s actions, calling the dismissal insulting to the entire military.
2. When asked about the future of the dual leadership of Cyber ​​Command and NSA, Hartman emphasized its importance for rapid coordination of actions, especially in confronting threats from China. He mentioned the Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon hacking groups, promising a wide-ranging response to their attacks on telecommunications infrastructure.

The dual leadership of the NSA and the US Cyber ​​Command has existed since 2010, combining intelligence and offensive cyber operations in a single center. President Trump considered the idea of ​​separating these functions during his first term. Fears that he will use the situation to introduce politically loyal figures are growing. At the same time, Hartman has not yet been officially appointed to the position.

The situation surrounding Hartman is a test of the strength of American institutions in the face of political fluctuations. Whether the effective structure of the dual leadership will be preserved, or whether Trump will implement his long-standing idea of ​​​​reform, will become clear in the coming weeks. But it is already clear: the cyber war against China requires not administrative changes, but stable and experienced leadership.