Trump Urges Microsoft to Fire Lisa Monaco, Citing National Security Concerns
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft to terminate the employment of Lisa Monaco, the company's President of Global Affairs. Trump voiced his concerns via a post on Truth Social, alleging that Monaco poses a threat to U.S. National Security due to her prior role in the Joe Biden administration.
Trump's Allegations Against Monaco
In his statement, Trump emphasized that Monaco, who previously served as Deputy Attorney General under President Biden, now holds a "very senior role" at Microsoft with access to "Highly Sensitive Information." He argued that this access is unacceptable, especially considering Microsoft's extensive contracts with the United States Government.
Trump further claimed that Monaco has been stripped of her security clearances and banned from federal properties, alleging unspecified "wrongful acts." These claims have not been independently verified.
Monaco's Background and Experience
Lisa Monaco, 57, boasts a distinguished career in public service. Prior to joining Microsoft, she served as Deputy Attorney General under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. In that role, she oversaw significant prosecutions and national security cases. Notably, she is reported to have played a prominent role in overseeing politically sensitive cases, including the Department of Justice's (DOJ) prosecution of Trump.
She also held key positions in the Obama administration, including White House Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor (2013-2017) and Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's National Security Division (2011-2013).
Microsoft's Response and Broader Context
Microsoft has declined to comment on Trump's demand. Trump's call for Monaco's firing arrives amidst an extensive antitrust investigation into Microsoft by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This investigation, which began under the Biden administration and has intensified under the current Trump-appointed FTC chair, focuses on Microsoft's business practices in areas such as cloud computing and bundled software services, particularly concerning government contracts.
DOJ Investigations and Political Accusations
The Biden Justice Department pursued multiple criminal and civil cases against Trump, including indictments led by Special Counsel Jack Smith over election interference and classified documents. There have been accusations that the Biden DOJ expedited prosecutions to damage Trump's candidacy. Both Biden and then-Attorney General Merrick Garland maintained that all decisions were made independently.
Smith is currently under investigation by the Office of Special Counsel following allegations by Senator Tom Cotton that his prosecutions of Trump were politically motivated and aimed at influencing the 2024 presidential election. Smith denies these allegations.
Comey Indictment
On Thursday, Trump's DOJ charged former FBI Director James Comey with perjury and obstruction of justice. The charges relate to Comey's 2020 testimony before a Congressional committee where he denied authorizing leaks to the press about FBI investigations into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Comey denies the claims made in the indictment.
