Trump Administration Reshuffles Commerce Department Leadership

The Trump administration has removed Elizabeth “Liz” Cannon from her position as executive director of the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) office within the U.S. Department of Commerce. This office had played a pivotal role in effectively barring nearly all Chinese vehicles from the U.S. market due to national security concerns.

Cannon’s resignation was reported by sources familiar with the situation on January 23, 2023. Her departure comes in the wake of the Commerce Department’s decision to abandon plans to impose restrictions on Chinese drones, despite ongoing concerns that U.S. adversaries could exploit these devices to access sensitive data. The ICTS, established in 2022 to investigate supply chain threats from foreign adversaries, falls under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).

The BIS has emphasized its commitment to addressing national security risks associated with foreign technology. A spokesperson stated, “BIS is committed to using its ICTS authorities to address national security risks from foreign technology. Recent staffing changes at the ICTS Office will strengthen the Office and ensure that it continues to deliver for the American people.”

Cannon’s resignation appears to be part of a broader strategy by the new administration, which reportedly intends to appoint a political appointee to her position. Sources indicate that had she not resigned, Cannon would have faced reassignment. Her final day in the role is expected to be February 20, 2023.

The ICTS office has also faced criticism for not issuing regulations concerning medium and heavy-duty truck exports, an area that remains a point of concern in the context of U.S.-China relations. The previous administration under President Joe Biden had implemented rules that prohibited Chinese passenger vehicles from entering the U.S. market.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the changes within the Commerce Department reflect a strategic realignment in how the United States addresses potential threats from foreign technologies and vehicles.