WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed General Joshua Rudd on Tuesday as head of the National Security Agency and Cyber Command, ending a vacancy sparked by President Donald Trump’s national security purge and bolstering defenses in the ongoing Iran war.
In a 71-29 vote, Rudd ascends to four-star general status for the “dual-hat” role. Trump tapped him in December from his post as lieutenant general and No. 2 at Indo-Pacific Command.
The NSA handles global intelligence collection, monitoring, and counterintelligence data processing. Cyber Command drives offensive and defensive cyber ops, vital amid escalating military needs like the Iran conflict.
The shakeup began in April when Trump ousted General Timothy Haugh and deputy Wendy Noble post-Oval Office huddle with far-right activist Laura Loomer. No official reason emerged, but Loomer boasted on X of handing Trump a “disloyal” officials list.
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Senate Intelligence Committee chair, hailed the pick: “General Rudd is a war hero with a lifetime of service… the right choice to lead protection from cyberattacks by Iran, Russia, and China.” He chided Democrats for delays.
Oregon’s Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, a senior panel member, opposed in a letter to Trump, deeming Rudd unqualified and stalling fast-track bids.