Sean Plankey, who had been nominated by former President Trump to lead the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has requested to withdraw from the role due to stagnation in the Senate concerning his confirmation. In a letter to the White House, Plankey noted that it has become evident that he would not receive the necessary votes for confirmation, a situation that has persisted for over a year since his initial nomination.
Reports indicate that his nomination faced significant hurdles, primarily from Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), who was holding up the process due to issues related to a Coast Guard contract not directly linked to cybersecurity. Plankey’s background includes serving as a senior advisor to Coast Guard leadership.
Since Madhu Gottumukkala departed as CISA’s director in February, Nick Andersen has been acting in the position. Gottumukkala took on the interim role in May 2025 but left after less than a year amid various challenges associated with the agency.
CISA is responsible for overseeing cybersecurity and infrastructure protection for the civilian sector of the federal government. The agency has experienced a tumultuous year, characterised by at least three government shutdowns, budget cuts exceeding $700 million proposed by the Trump administration, and staff reductions. These cuts have raised concerns given the surge in cyberattacks targeting the U.S. government and its allies.
The White House recently highlighted accusations of “censorship” against CISA, stemming from the agency’s actions during the 2020 presidential election aimed at combating misinformation. A White House spokesperson has not yet confirmed whether they will accept Plankey’s withdrawal or disclosed any potential candidates to replace him as the permanent director of CISA.
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