Trump Withdraws Casey Means CDC Nomination

Sean Plankey has requested to withdraw his name from consideration to lead the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The move follows a year of leadership instability within the agency. This development occurs as the Trump administration continues its appointments for key cybersecurity roles. Sources told NPR that the nomination had been on hold for weeks due to ethics and conflict of interest concerns. Former Park Service employees also pointed to ties between Socia and interests pushing for national park privatization. The agency has previously operated with only acting directors during the first Trump administration. Former Park Service employees had previously noted Socia's ties to interests advocating for the privatization of national parks. The agency is currently facing record visitation levels alongside billions of dollars in maintenance backlogs. It is noted that the Park Service has operated without a Senate-confirmed director previously, such as during the first Trump administration. President Trump has pulled the nomination of Casey Means for CDC Director. The move follows reports that Means lacks an active medical license and faced potential opposition in the Senate.