Cyber agency urges employees not to lose focus in wake of director’s firing

Employees at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are being told to stay committed to their mission after President Trump on Tuesday fired Chris Krebs, the agency’s director.

The Krebs firing has set off bipartisan criticism of Trump, who dismissed the official after he issued a statement saying the presidential election had been secure. Trump is arguing the election was stolen from him, though he has offered no substantive evidence that proves this and his legal challenges in various states have so far been unsuccessful.

“A change in leadership is not a change in mission and it is essential that we do not lose focus on the important work we collectively undertake on behalf of the American people,” CISA chief of staff Emily Early told employees in a note on Wednesday, Politico reported. 

“Fortunately, we have the best workforce in all of government and I know we can count on each of you to continue the excellent work you do every day as we all work together to Defend Today and Secure Tomorrow,” she added. 

Early also confirmed that CISA Executive Director Brandon Wales had been appointed to take over as director.

Though the deputy director Matthew Travis would normally have been next in line to assume the role, sources close to the matter told Politico he submitted his letter of resignation under pressure from the White House.

Trump’s dismissal of Krebs has led to an unusual amount of criticism from Republicans.

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said on Tuesday he didn’t think Krebs should be fired.

“Chris Krebs did a really good job — as state election officials all across the nation will tell you — and he obviously should not be fired,” he said.

Other Republican leaders have given their praise to Krebs, while refraining from criticizing Trump’s actions. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) both said they felt Krebs had done a good job as CISA director.