Trump demands Microsoft remove ex-Biden aide Lisa Monaco over security concerns
US President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft Corp to dismiss Lisa Monaco, the company’s president of global affairs, referencing concerns related to national security. Monaco, who held the position of US deputy attorney general during President Joe Biden’s administration, has consistently been a focal point of criticism from Trump. He has asserted that in her former capacity, she leveraged her position to conduct inquiries into his conduct. In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to Monaco as “corrupt and totally Trump deranged.” Trump contended that Monaco’s position at Microsoft, where she oversees significant government contracts, provides her with access to highly sensitive information.
“It is my opinion that Microsoft should immediately terminate the employment of Lisa Monaco,” Trump stated, underscoring that her prior actions render her a “menace to US national security.” Lisa Monaco boasts an extensive background in US government service, having held positions in the administrations of two Democratic presidents — Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Serving as the 39th deputy attorney general from 2021 to 2025 under President Biden, she played a pivotal role as the Justice Department’s second-in-command, assisting in the coordination of the response to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. In February, her security clearances were revoked, and Trump has recently asserted that she has been banned from federal properties, citing what he describes as “many wrongful acts.” Previously, Monaco held the position of homeland security and counterterrorism adviser during the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017.
She commenced her career at the Justice Department serving as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno and subsequently took on the role of assistant US attorney for the District of Columbia. Monaco, who was born and raised in Massachusetts, earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University. She went on to obtain a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1997. Following his departure from government service, Monaco took on the role of head of global affairs at Microsoft in June 2025, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s interactions with governments around the globe. Trump’s demand for Monaco’s dismissal arises merely a day following the US Department of Justice’s indictment of former FBI director James Comey on allegations that encompass false statements and obstruction of a Congressional proceeding.
Since his return to office in January, Trump has vigorously sought what he characterizes as accountability for officials and organizations he views as his political adversaries. This encompasses measures directed at law firms, prosecutors, universities, and corporate leaders. The Trump administration has been notably engaged with significant corporations. Recently, it exerted pressure on leaders at Intel and Disney, while simultaneously fostering relationships with technology executives. This included inviting Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Apple chief Tim Cook to the White House.
