National Security Threat or Personal Feud? Trump Demands Dismissal of Senior MS Executive

Trump Demands Microsoft Fire Lisa Monaco
Led DOJ Response to January 6 Capitol Riot Under Biden Administration
"Access to Sensitive Information Poses a National Security Threat"

President Donald Trump of the United States has demanded the dismissal of a senior Microsoft (MS) executive, citing national security threats. According to Yonhap News, on the 26th (local time), President Trump posted on his social networking service, Truth Social, stating, "MS must fire Lisa Monaco, President of Global Affairs," and argued, "It is unacceptable from a national security perspective for her to have access to highly sensitive information."

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AP Yonhap News

President Trump wrote, "Given the contracts between the U.S. government and MS, she poses a threat to national security," adding, "In my opinion, MS should immediately terminate Monaco's employment." He further explained, "Due to Monaco's numerous illegal activities, the U.S. government recently revoked all her security clearances, blocked her access to national security information, and banned her from entering all federal properties."

President Trump did not specify the particular national security threats involved. Some observers suggest that the demand for her dismissal stems from a personal feud between Trump and Monaco. Monaco is considered a Democratic figure, having served as Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor during the Barack Obama administration and as Deputy Attorney General under the Joe Biden administration. Notably, she led the Department of Justice's response to the January 6 Capitol riot, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in protest of the 2020 presidential election results.

She joined MS in July, taking charge of overseeing policy cooperation and regulatory affairs with governments around the world. Like other major technology companies, MS has been working to improve its relationship with President Trump since last year's U.S. presidential election, so its future response is drawing attention. Satya Nadella, CEO of MS, recently visited the White House and attended a major big tech CEO dinner hosted by President Trump.

Previously, President Trump also demanded the immediate resignation of Lip-Bu Tan, President of Intel, citing a conflict of interest. However, when Intel transferred a 10% stake to the U.S. government as a condition for receiving government funds already allocated during the Biden administration, Trump changed his stance and called Lip-Bu Tan a "highly respected CEO." Some analysts view this latest demand for dismissal as a strategic move to press for policy concessions in future negotiations with MS.

Meanwhile, on the same day, President Trump also criticized former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, who was indicted the previous day on charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing congressional proceedings, calling him a "dirty cop." Comey had led the investigation into allegations of Russian interference aimed at securing Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election, resulting in ongoing conflict with President Trump.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.