Michael LoSapio, Chief Information Security Officer at Palantir Technologies, has been nominated by the White House to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
The nomination comes after nearly two years without a permanent director, during which CISA has faced significant staffing cuts while continuing its work to protect federal networks and critical infrastructure.
With years of enterprise security experience at Palantir, LoSapio would take over at a time when the agency is reconsidering its cybersecurity priorities. His appointment now depends on Senate confirmation, which could face delays as the current congressional session comes to an end.
Why It Matters: Bringing a private-sector CISO into CISA’s top role could influence how the agency works with businesses on cybersecurity. With changes to its services already underway, the next director will have a say in how federal resources are used to support enterprise security and protect critical infrastructure.
- A Background in Enterprise Security: LoSapio has served as Palantir’s CISO since September 2024, following nearly seven years overseeing the company’s infrastructure and network security operations. His earlier experience includes engineering roles at SingleStore, New York University, and Seton Hall University. Much of his career has involved protecting enterprise systems and managing security operations, giving him experience with the technical responsibilities involved in securing large organizations.
- Nearly Two Years Without Permanent Leadership: CISA has been without a Senate-confirmed director since Jen Easterly departed in January 2025. An earlier attempt to fill the role ended when Sean Plankey withdrew his nomination in April after it stalled in the Senate. Nick Andersen currently serves as acting director while the administration works to secure a permanent appointment.
- Workforce Cuts and Recovery Efforts: CISA’s workforce has declined by approximately one-third since January 2025, prompting efforts to refill several hundred positions. The reductions come as federal agencies face continued cybersecurity threats, with major breaches at the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and Pentagon disclosed in the past three months. The next director would oversee the rebuilding process while maintaining the agency’s existing security responsibilities.
- A Changing Approach to Cybersecurity: In October, CISA outlined plans to review its services and focus more resources on critical infrastructure where disruptions could have the most serious consequences. The approach could change how the agency works with private-sector organizations and determines where federal cybersecurity support is needed most.
- Questions Around Senate Confirmation: The nomination comes near the end of the current congressional session, leaving limited time for lawmakers to consider the appointment. If LoSapio is not confirmed before the new Congress takes office, the White House would need to resubmit his nomination. His background at Palantir could also receive additional scrutiny, as lawmakers have previously questioned the company’s government contracts and handling of sensitive information. Palantir has denied allegations that its technology enables mass surveillance.
Go Deeper -> Trump picks Palantir’s LoSapio to head CISA – Cyberscoop
Trump nominates Palantir security chief Michael LoSapio to lead CISA – NextGov
White House nominates Palantir’s LoSapio to lead Homeland Security’s cyber agency – Reuters
