The Trump administration has appointed Joe Francescon, a former Intelligence Newsletter Analyst and Counterterrorism Aide, as the new deputy director of the National Security Agency (NSA).
In a statement to The Hill, National Intelligence Director Tarsi Gabbard and Department of Defense Director Pete Hegseth praised Francescon’s extensive service to the nation, emphasizing his work across various sectors, from intelligence to the Pentagon and international engagements.
According to them, Francescon’s background in tackling foreign threats equips him well to lead the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and to counter evolving dangers.
The position Francescon is stepping into does not require approval from the Senate.
He will succeed Wendy Noble, who was removed from her role earlier this year alongside General Timothy Howe, a move that sparked criticism from some Democratic lawmakers.
Earlier on Thursday, far-right activist Laura Rumer mentioned on social media that Francescon’s name had been submitted to the Presidential Personnel Office as a contender for the NSA’s second-in-command role.
Rumer has gained influence within the White House and has played a crucial role in personnel decisions recently, even accusing Noble and Howe of deceit toward Trump.
Francescon’s career includes a decade as an NSA intelligence analyst from 2008 to 2018. He went on to serve as the acting director of counterterrorism and cross-border threats on the White House National Security Council before joining the Department of Defense in 2020, where he held the title of Deputy Director of Special Operations.
The current acting NSA director is Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, who is also leading cyber command.
The news of Francescon’s appointment had been previously reported by Politico.
At present, Francescon is the Chief Foreign Officer of defense contractor Dzyne Technologies, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Gabbard and Hegseth expressed confidence in Francescon’s ability to lead with integrity, stating that he would commit to supporting the Constitution and safeguarding American freedoms and security.
