CISA Nominee Sean Plankey Withdraws Nomination After 13 Months

Sean Plankey, the long-delayed nominee to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), formally requested President Donald Trump on Wednesday to withdraw his nomination.

“At this point in time, I am asking the President to remove my nomination from consideration,”

he stated in a notification letter obtained by CyberScoop. “After thirteen months since my initial nomination, it has become clear that the Senate will not confirm me.”

Plankey’s request follows the Senate’s confirmation of MarkWayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CISA’s parent agency, weeks earlier.

“The Nation and Department of Homeland Security Secretary MarkWayne Mullin requires a confirmed director of CISA without further delay,”

Plankey wrote in his letter, also expressing gratitude to Trump. He added:

“While I humbly request the removal of my nomination, I wholeheartedly support President Trump’s upcoming nomination for CISA and look forward to the continued success of the United States of America.”

Background and Senate Opposition

Plankey’s nomination was widely considered dead by the end of 2023. His unexpected renomination this year surprised many, with CBS News reporting that the paperwork filing may have been an administrative error—though the White House denied this claim.

Multiple senators, including Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., had placed holds on his nomination over unrelated issues. Scott’s hold stemmed from a Coast Guard contract with a Florida company that DHS had partially canceled. Plankey had previously advised then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Coast Guard matters before retiring from the Coast Guard last month.

Leadership Vacancies and Acting Directors

While awaiting confirmation, CISA operated under acting leadership. Bridget Bean and later Madhu Gottumukkala served as acting directors, but Gottumukkala recently left the position amid leadership complaints. Nick Andersen currently holds the acting director role.

Plankey told CyberScoop he had discussed his withdrawal with Mullin, praising their “positive relationship” and Mullin’s DHS leadership. He also commended Andersen as “one of the most competent cybersecurity people in the country.”

Reactions and Future Implications

The withdrawal was first reported by Politico. The White House, DHS, and CISA declined to comment when asked by CyberScoop.

Plankey’s exit adds to the agency’s instability. Under Trump’s leadership, CISA has seen significant personnel and budget cuts, with many top officials departing. The administration has proposed even deeper cuts for fiscal year 2027.