High-ranking officials from the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command have been withdrawn from speaking at the upcoming RSAC Conference in San Francisco, following recent leadership turmoil at both organizations.
NSA Cybersecurity Division Director Dave Luber and Cyber Command Executive Director Morgan Adamski will no longer present at the conference, according to notifications sent Tuesday afternoon. The withdrawal comes just days after President Donald Trump's controversial dismissal of Gen. Timothy Haugh, who led both the NSA and Cyber Command.
The speaking cancellations were attributed to agency restrictions on non-essential travel, though neither the NSA nor Cyber Command have provided official comments on the matter. Both Luber and Adamski remain in their current positions.
The RSAC Conference, set to begin April 28, has traditionally served as a key platform where private sector professionals gain insights into classified cybersecurity operations conducted by U.S. intelligence and defense agencies. Both officials had previously spoken at last year's event.
The timing of these withdrawals has raised concerns among Senate Democrats, who warn that separating the dual leadership structure of NSA and Cyber Command could hamper national security operations. Some former intelligence officials suggest the recent firing of Gen. Haugh could pave the way for installing a political appointee to lead the NSA independently.
The NSA plays a central role in U.S. intelligence gathering, with its surveillance findings regularly contributing to presidential security briefings. Meanwhile, Cyber Command focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and the Defense Department's information networks.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing changes at the highest levels of U.S. cybersecurity leadership, sparked by President Trump's decision to remove Gen. Haugh following recommendations from far-right media personality Laura Loomer.