Chaos at the Cyber Shield: Noem’s CISA czar reassigned after months of turmoil

Nine months into his tenure as acting director of CISA, Madhu Gottumukkala faced constant staff backlash, clashes with Trump-era appointees, and aggressive contracting moves—including not renewing a roughly $30 million license—along with a reportedly failed counterintelligence polygraph that DHS later labeled unsanctioned. Facing mounting scrutiny and political pressure, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem initially resisted removal, then reassigned Gottumukkala on Thursday, with Nick Anderson stepping in as interim, as lawmakers prepare for Senate testimony and demand accountability for CISA’s leadership and mission readiness.