Senate Rudd confirmed to lead National Security Agency by Ashleigh Fields - 03/11/26 1:26 PM ET by Ashleigh Fields - 03/11/26 1:26 PM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email NOW PLAYING Senators overwhelmingly confirmed Gen. Joshua Rudd to lead the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command on Tuesday, adding to his responsibilities after already being the deputy chief of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Rudd was confirmed in a 71-29 vote in the Senate.  Lawmakers were able to sidestep Sen. Ron Wyden’s (D-Ore.) procedural hold intended to block Rudd’s confirmation. “He is not qualified for this job,” Wyden wrote in a letter addressed to President Trump that was submitted to the Congressional Record.  “And, when it comes to the cybersecurity of this country, there is simply no time for on-the-job learning,” the senator added. “The threat is just too urgent for that. For these reasons, I oppose the nomination.” Rudd’s predecessor in the NSA and Cyber Command roles, retired Gen. Timothy Haugh, had more than 30 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force and led numerous cyber operations to counter efforts from Russia and other U.S. adversaries.  Despite Wyden’s concerns, most welcomed Rudd’s confirmation as NSA director after the position remained vacant for months following the ousting of Haugh and his civilian deputy Wendy Noble last April. Trump moved to fire the two after a meeting with the conservative activist Laura Loomer. “General Rudd is a war hero with a lifetime of service to our nation. He is the right choice to lead the protection of our nation from cyberattacks by Iran, Russia, and China,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said in a statement following Rudd’s confirmation.  Add as preferred source on Google Tags Cyber Command Donald Trump General Joshua Rudd Laura Loomer NSA Ron Wyden Sen. Tim Cotton Tom Cotton Trump administration Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email More Senate News See All Campaign Hern launches Senate bid for Mullin’s Oklahoma seat by Sarah Fortinsky 14 minutes ago Campaign  /  14 minutes ago