A recent directive from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has sent ripples through the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, rescinding an agreement with Jen Easterly, the former head of the nation’s cybersecurity defense agency. This unexpected move follows intense pressure from prominent far-right activists, who have vocally criticized Easterly’s past leadership and influence within government roles.
The decision to remove Easterly from her distinguished chair position was a direct response to a concerted online campaign. Figures like Laura Loomer spearheaded the backlash, accusing Easterly of various perceived transgressions during her tenure at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This public outcry highlights the increasing impact of political activism on institutional appointments.
Jen Easterly, a distinguished graduate of West Point, served two decades in the Army before her appointments to the National Security Council under the Obama administration and subsequently leading CISA. Her intended role at West Point was primarily to deliver a handful of lectures annually, not a full-time teaching commitment, and was reportedly recommended by a West Point alumni association.
Secretary Driscoll’s memorandum not only terminated Easterly’s agreement but also mandated an immediate pause on the selection of staff by non-governmental groups and initiated a comprehensive review of West Point’s hiring policies. This indicates a desire to assert greater control over the academy’s internal processes amidst external political pressures.
The far-right’s criticism of Easterly is deeply rooted in CISA’s controversial efforts to counter disinformation, particularly following the 2020 presidential election. Critics, including high-profile conservative voices like Mike Davis and Sean Davis of The Federalist, accuse CISA of engaging in “illegal censorship” targeting conservative media and narratives.
Laura Loomer specifically referenced Easterly’s leadership during CISA’s involvement in the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to establish the now-defunct Disinformation Governance Board. This connection further fueled the narrative among conservative circles that CISA actively suppressed dissenting voices, leading to heightened scrutiny of anyone associated with the agency.
Following Driscoll’s decision, Loomer publicly celebrated, declaring that “all Biden holdovers must be removed from the Trump administration,” underscoring the political motivations behind the campaign. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing ideological battles affecting key governmental and military institutions, often playing out in the public sphere and influencing personnel decisions.
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