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Dead Drop on NSA's Adm. Mike Rogers

<p>dead drop</p>

CHANGE AT TOP OF NSA: Dead Drop sources tell The Cipher Brief that National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers has told his staff that he will be stepping down from his post this Spring. Speaking on condition of anonymity, sources say that Rogers had hoped to remain in his role until the fall, but was nudged toward an earlier departure. His replacement – we’re told – is expected to be Lt. General Paul Nakasone, the current Commander of U.S. Army Cyber Command. The Senate would have to confirm the appointment, which could take several months. Nakasone is widely admired both for his current role and his previous work commanding the Cyber National Mission Force at U.S. Cyber Command. The administration is apparently planning to name Nakasone as head of both the NSA and Cyber Command, meaning that a decision to split that dual-hatted role will be pushed back even further. Nakasone won’t keep the dual-hatted role long-term — just until the Trump administration decides to formalize the split, which sources tell The Dead Drop won’t be anytime soon.

The news that Rogers was exiting stage right this spring was first tweeted by The Washington Post's Ellen Nakashima.

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