ONCD Loses Another Top AI Adviser as Sean Cairncross Runs Office at Half of 75 Staff
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 9
ONCD Loses Another Top AI Adviser as Sean Cairncross Runs Office at Half of 75 Staff
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 9
Summary
A senior White House AI policy adviser is leaving the Office of the National Cyber Director, adding to a string of departures around Sean Cairncross as Trump’s AI executive order rollout faltered.
Administration officials tied the exit to early setbacks on that order, saying Cairncross moved too slowly on fears AI could fall into the wrong hands and failed to build enough technical staff.
About 36 employees currently staff the ONCD, far below its authorized 75, sharpening concerns about the office’s technical depth under Cairncross, a former lawyer and RNC executive confirmed in August 2025.
The White House publicly praised Cairncross and said the office is actively hiring, but the latest departure follows other exits including adviser Lind, deepening questions about who will execute Trump’s AI agenda.