Trump Calls for Microsoft to Fire Executive, Alleging National Security Threat
WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump is demanding Microsoft terminate teh employment of Lisa Monaco, president of its global business, claiming she poses a national security risk. The call came Monday on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, a day after the indictment of James Comey, and has been widely interpreted as a retaliatory move.
Trump alleges Monaco’s position at Microsoft grants her access to “very sensitive details” that is “unacceptable” and should be prohibited. He further stated, “In consideration of the contracts with the US government, he is a threat to national security. In my opinion, Microsoft should end the employment of Lisa Monaco immediately.” Trump did not detail specific national security concerns, but claimed Monaco had previously been stripped of security clearances, blocked from accessing national security information, and barred from federal contracts due to “numerous illegal acts.”
The demand for Monaco’s dismissal is drawing scrutiny due to her past roles in opposing administrations. Monaco served as Vice President of National Security and Counter-Terrorism during the Obama administration and later as Attorney General under President Joe biden. Notably, she led the Justice Department’s response to the January 6th, 2021, Capitol riot, an event stemming from challenges to the 2020 presidential election results favored by Trump’s supporters.Monaco joined Microsoft in July, focusing on policy cooperation and regulatory affairs with governments.
This is not the first instance of Trump publicly challenging tech company leadership. He previously called for the resignation of Intel’s CEO, whom he described as “very respected,” following the company’s acceptance of government funding tied to the Biden administration’s economic policies. The US government is now Intel’s largest shareholder.
