Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has come under fire from far-right activists following her speech to cadets at the US Military Academy at West Point.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer led the charge, accusing Easterly of promoting "woke ideology" in her address, which focused on defending democratic institutions and countering disinformation.
Easterly, a former Army officer and intelligence official, pushed back against the criticism, stating her remarks were squarely about national security. "My speech at West Point was about protecting our democracy from threats, both foreign and domestic," she said.
Controversy Over National Security Messaging
The backlash highlights the increasingly partisan divide over national security issues in the US. Easterly's agency, CISA, has been a frequent target of conspiracy theories since the 2020 election.
In her West Point address, Easterly emphasized the importance of defending democratic norms and institutions. "The values we uphold as military leaders must include protecting free and fair elections," she told the cadets.
Far-Right Figures Target Security Officials
Loomer, known for her extremist views, amplified the criticism on social media, claiming Easterly was indoctrinating future military leaders. Other conservative figures quickly joined the chorus of complaints.
Security experts have warned that such attacks undermine efforts to protect critical infrastructure and democratic processes. "When national security becomes politicized, we all lose," said one former Pentagon official.
The White House has stood by Easterly, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre praising her "unwavering commitment to keeping Americans safe."
