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Deputy National Security Advisor
The White House logo under Trump 2.0.jpg
Executive Office of the President
Member of National Security Council
Homeland Security Council
Reports to President of the United States
United States National Security Advisor
Appointer President of the United States
Constituting instrument National Security Presidential Memorandum
Formation 1961
First holder Walt Rostow

The United States Deputy National Security Advisor is a very important helper to the President of the United States. This person works closely with the President's main National Security Advisor. Their job is to help keep the country safe.

This role is part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States, which is like the President's main team. They also work with the United States National Security Council, a group that advises the President on national security and foreign policy.

The Deputy National Security Advisor often helps lead important meetings about national security. They also help manage different teams that focus on keeping the country secure. The exact duties of this job can change depending on who is President and how they like to organize their team. Sometimes, there are even a few Deputy National Security Advisors, each focusing on different areas.

Right now, this position is empty. The last person to hold the job was Alex Nelson Wong, who left in May 2025.

Who Helps the President with Security?

The Deputy National Security Advisor is a key person who helps the President make big decisions about how to keep the United States safe. They work behind the scenes to gather information and give advice. This role is super important for protecting the country from threats both at home and around the world.

What Does a Deputy National Security Advisor Do?

The main job of the Deputy National Security Advisor is to support the National Security Advisor. They help manage the daily work of the United States National Security Council. This council brings together top government officials to talk about important security issues.

Leading Important Meetings

One big part of the job is being the "Executive Secretary" for the National Security Council Principals Committee. This committee includes the most important leaders, like the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense. The Deputy helps make sure these meetings run smoothly.

Guiding Other Teams

The Deputy also often leads the National Security Council Deputies Committee. This group includes other high-ranking officials who help carry out the decisions made by the main committee. It's like being the captain of a team that makes sure everyone is working together.

Different Roles for Different Presidents

The specific tasks of the Deputy National Security Advisor can change a lot. Each President might want their security team organized in a different way. This means the Deputy's role can be very flexible and adapt to the needs of the President.

Other Important Deputy Roles

Besides the main Deputy National Security Advisor, there have been other special deputy roles created over the years. These roles focus on specific areas of national security. They were often created after big events, like the September 11 attacks, to help deal with new challenges.

Bush Administration (2001-2009)

During President George W. Bush's time, some deputies focused on specific tasks:

  • Wayne A. Downing (2001–2002) helped with fighting terrorism.
  • David McCormick (2006–2007) worked on international money matters.
  • Michele Davis (2005–2006) and Corry Schiermeyer (2006–2007) helped with how the government talked to the public.
  • Mark Pfeifle (2007–2009) also worked on strategic communications.
  • Juan Zarate (2005–2009) focused on stopping terrorism.
  • Elliott Abrams (2005–2009) worked on promoting democracy around the world.

Obama Administration (2009-2017)

Under President Barack Obama, deputies had roles like:

  • John O. Brennan (2009–2013) and Lisa Monaco (2013–2017) focused on keeping the country safe at home (homeland security).
  • Ben Rhodes (2009–2017) handled how the White House communicated its messages.
  • Caroline Atkinson (2011-2015) and Wally Adeyemo (2015–2016) worked on international economic issues.

Trump Administration (2017-2021)

During President Donald Trump's first term, some deputies focused on:

  • Dina Powell (2017–2018) and Nadia Schadlow (2018) worked on overall strategy.
  • Victoria Coates (2019–2020) focused on issues in the Middle East and North Africa.

Biden Administration (2021-2025)

Under President Joe Biden, deputies have included:

  • Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall (2021–2025) focused on homeland security and stopping terrorism.
  • Anne Neuberger (2021–2025) worked on cybersecurity and new technologies.
  • Daleep Singh (2021–2022, 2024–2025) and Mike Pyle (2022–2024) focused on international economic matters.

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