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Trump Appoints New Key Figures in Second Administration: CIA Deputy Director and More
President Donald Trump is continuing to shape his second administration with a series of key appointments. On Monday, he announced three notable selections through a series of posts on Truth Social, emphasizing his commitment to bolstering national security.
Michael Ellis as Deputy Director of the CIA
Just weeks after his inauguration, Trump revealed that Michael Ellis will assume the role of deputy director of the CIA. This appointment does not require U.S. Senate approval, allowing Ellis to step into his position immediately under CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
In his announcement, Trump expressed confidence in Ellis’s capabilities, stating he will work to “fix the CIA and make it, once again, the Greatest Intelligence Agency in the World.” He noted Ellis’s previous experience at the White House National Security Council, where he was instrumental in exposing abuses related to the ‘unmasking’ process under the Obama Administration.
Further detailing Ellis’s background, Trump highlighted his service as General Counsel of the House Intelligence Committee and his selection as General Counsel of the National Security Agency, a position he lost under what Trump described as a “corrupt purge by the Biden Administration.” This narrative emphasizes Trump’s perspective on ongoing political rivalries impacting national security roles.
Joe Kent as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
In a further strengthening of his administration’s defense posture, Trump appointed Joe Kent as director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The NCTC is crucial in analyzing and responding to terrorist threats, as outlined on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) website.
Trump praised Kent’s extensive background, stating, “As a Soldier, Green Beret, and CIA Officer, Joe has hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life.” He drew attention to the personal sacrifices Kent has made, including the loss of his wife Shannon, a true hero in the fight against ISIS.
Trump concluded his announcement by stressing Kent’s commitment: “Joe will help us keep America safe by eradicating all terrorism, from jihadists around the world to the cartels in our own backyard.” This statement not only highlights Kent’s qualifications but also reinforces the administration’s goal of tackling both domestic and international threats.
Sean Parnell as Chief Pentagon Spokesman
The president finalized his announcements by naming Sean Parnell as the chief Pentagon spokesman and assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs. Trump’s praise for Parnell was effusive, calling him “a Great American Patriot” and noting his heroic service as a combat veteran.
Trump specifically recognized Parnell’s leadership of one of the most decorated units in the Afghanistan War, where he earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. This highlights Parnell’s impressive military record, which aligns with Trump’s push for strong national security personnel.
Additionally, Trump recalled Parnell’s instrumental role in passing the MISSION Act, stating it was the “BIGGEST VA Reform in History.” Such remarks emphasize the administration’s focus on serving veterans and addressing key issues within the military.
As Trump reinforces his team, these appointments underscore a strategic shift toward reshaping national security and intelligence roles within the federal government.
