Nielsen Tapped to Run Homeland Security
President Trump Wednesday announced plans to nominate Kirstjen Nielsen, John Kelly’s deputy chief of staff as the new secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump had kind words for Ms. Nielsen as he noted her “extensive professional experience in the areas of homeland security policy and strategy, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure and emergency management.” She is the first nominee for the homeland security post who had served in the department, according to the statement.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, praised Nielsen’s nomination.
“Kirstjen Nielsen is a homeland security veteran, who brings White House and DHS experience to the Secretary’s role,” Ridge said in a statement. “She is extremely well versed in the all-hazard threats challenging the security and resilience of our homeland — from cybersecurity and terrorism to natural disasters.”
Nielsen has previously worked as Kelly’s chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security. Nielsen followed Kelly into the White House when he replaced Reince Priebus as Trump’s White House chief of staff at the end of July. However, this was not Nielsen’s first time working in the White House. She previously served in the Bush administration as the special assistant for prevention, preparedness and response on the Homeland Security Council.
Before being nominated, Nielsen was named DHS chief of staff for John Kelly in January, she was the president of Sunesis Consulting, a risk and security management consulting firm.
Several candidates were vetted for the job including acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, and Thomas Homan, the acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mr. Kelly pushed hard for her selection, making a personal appeal to Mr. Trump during the extended search process.
Nielsen, known as a no-nonsense player and policy wonk looks to be a great pick to fill the shoes of John Kelly.
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