In a dramatic escalation of political tensions between the White House and Big Tech, President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Microsoft fire its newly appointed President of Global Affairs, Lisa Monaco—a move that’s sending shockwaves through both Washington and Silicon Valley.
A Political Lightning Rod Lands in Tech
Lisa Monaco, a seasoned national security expert and former Deputy Attorney General under President Joe Biden, joined Microsoft in May 2025 to oversee the company’s cybersecurity policy and global government relations. Her appointment was hailed as a strategic win for Microsoft, given her deep experience navigating the intersection of technology, law, and international affairs.
But Monaco’s high-profile government background has made her a target for Trump and his allies. On Friday, Trump took to Truth Social, declaring,
“It is my opinion that Microsoft should immediately terminate the employment of Lisa Monaco.” He cited her previous roles under both Barack Obama and Joe Biden, accusing her of being “obsessed” with lawfare and weaponization, and claimed her access to “Highly Sensitive Information” through Microsoft’s federal contracts posed a threat to national security.
Why Is Trump Targeting Monaco?
Trump’s attack comes amid a broader campaign against former officials he believes have worked against him. Just days earlier, the Department of Justice charged former FBI Director James Comey, another frequent Trump critic. Trump has repeatedly accused Monaco of using her Justice Department position to investigate his actions, and earlier this year, he revoked her security clearance along with those of other prominent Democrats.
According to Bloomberg, Trump’s latest move is part of a pattern of targeting individuals he sees as adversaries, especially those now holding influential positions in the private sector. He argues that Monaco’s role at Microsoft gives her access to sensitive government information, making her a “menace to U.S. National Security”.
The Fallout: Tech, Politics, and Public Opinion
Microsoft has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s demand. The controversy has sparked heated debate online, with far-right activists amplifying Trump’s call and urging the cancellation of Microsoft’s government contracts. Laura Loomer, a prominent Trump ally, has repeatedly criticized Monaco’s hiring, accusing Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella of “disgraceful scammer behavior”.
This isn’t the first time Trump has targeted tech executives since returning to office. Earlier this year, he demanded the resignation of Intel’s President Lip-Bu Tan over alleged conflicts of interest, only to later praise him after a government funding deal.
What’s Next for Monaco and Microsoft?
For now, Monaco remains in her role, overseeing Microsoft’s global affairs and cybersecurity strategy. Her appointment signals Microsoft’s commitment to strengthening its ties with governments worldwide, but the political firestorm raises questions about the future of tech-government relations in an increasingly polarized climate.
Key Takeaways:- Lisa Monaco’s move from government to Microsoft has ignited a fierce political backlash.
- Trump’s demand for her firing highlights the growing scrutiny of tech executives with government backgrounds.
- The incident underscores the challenges tech giants face as they navigate sensitive government contracts and political pressures.
As this story unfolds, all eyes are on Microsoft’s next move—and whether Monaco’s expertise will help the company weather the storm or become a lightning rod for further controversy.
Sources
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6. Here's a list of the individuals, including James Comey, targeted so ...
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8. Law360: Legal News & Analysis on Litigation, Policy, Deals
