Key Takeaways:
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), FBI, and National Security Agency (NSA) have withdrawn from the RSAC Conference, a major cybersecurity gathering.
- The withdrawal comes after the event’s organizer appointed Jen Easterly, CISA’s former director, as its CEO.
- The agencies had been scheduled to speak on various topics, including public-private partnerships and incident response.
- The withdrawal has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s disengagement from the cybersecurity community.
- The move is seen as a pattern of retrenchment by CISA, which has been framed as a necessary course correction by the Trump administration.
Introduction to the RSAC Conference Withdrawal
The RSAC Conference, one of the world’s largest cybersecurity gatherings, has been dealt a significant blow with the withdrawal of three major US government agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Security Agency (NSA) have all pulled out of the event, which is scheduled to take place from March 23-26 in San Francisco. The withdrawal comes after the conference’s organizer appointed Jen Easterly, CISA’s former director, as its CEO. Easterly, a 25-year Army veteran and former White House and NSA official, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies, and her appointment appears to have been the catalyst for the agencies’ withdrawal.
Background on the Agencies’ Involvement
The CISA, FBI, and NSA have all been regular participants in the RSAC Conference, using the event as an opportunity to showcase their work and strengthen relationships with foreign allies, private companies, academic researchers, and independent experts. The agencies had been scheduled to speak on a range of topics, including public-private partnerships, incident response, and nation-state hackers’ abuse of edge devices. Chris Butera, the acting deputy head of CISA’s cyber division, was expected to represent the agency, accompanied by senior FBI Cyber Division officials and the head of the NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center. However, their names were removed from the schedule just eight days after Easterly’s appointment as CEO.
The Trump Administration’s Response
The Trump administration has framed CISA’s withdrawal from the conference as a necessary course correction for an agency that it claims was led astray by the Biden administration. In a statement, CISA director of public affairs Marci McCarthy said that the agency has "determined that we will not participate in the RSA Conference since we regularly review all stakeholder engagements, to ensure maximum impact and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars." However, the agency did not respond to a follow-up email asking why the decision was made only after Easterly’s hiring. The FBI and NSA declined to comment on their withdrawals, leaving many to speculate about the reasons behind their decision.
Implications of the Withdrawal
The withdrawal of the CISA, FBI, and NSA from the RSAC Conference has significant implications for the cybersecurity community. The event has long been seen as a key platform for government agencies to engage with private companies, academic researchers, and independent experts, and the absence of these agencies will likely be felt. The move has also raised concerns about the Trump administration’s disengagement from the cybersecurity community, which has been a hallmark of its approach to national security. Many former officials and experts have expressed worry about the consequences of this disengagement, which they see as a necessary component of effective cybersecurity.
The Easterly Factor
Jen Easterly’s appointment as CEO of the RSAC Conference appears to have been the catalyst for the agencies’ withdrawal. Easterly, a political independent and former White House and NSA official, has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies. In 2025, she criticized President Donald Trump’s loyalty mandate at the RSAC Conference, which led to a backlash from the administration. Three months later, the US Military Academy at West Point rescinded a job offer it had made to Easterly following criticism from a far-right activist. Easterly’s appointment as CEO of the RSAC Conference has clearly been seen as a provocation by the Trump administration, which has responded by withdrawing its agencies from the event.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of the CISA, FBI, and NSA from the RSAC Conference is a significant development in the world of cybersecurity. The move has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s disengagement from the cybersecurity community and has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the administration and its critics. As the conference approaches, it remains to be seen how the absence of these agencies will impact the event and the broader cybersecurity community. One thing is certain, however: the withdrawal of the CISA, FBI, and NSA from the RSAC Conference is a significant blow to the event and a worrying sign for the future of cybersecurity cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.
