U.S. Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) has been voicing his objection to President Donald Trump‘s handling of foreign relations with Ukraine and Russia. On Wednesday, Bacon again slammed Trump for his dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and said of the POTUS: “I don’t like when he trashes Europe and kisses Russia’s [expletive] Don’t like it.”
On Friday, Bacon wrote on social media: “The White House is withdrawing @JoeFrancescon as its nominee to be the National Security Agency’s (NSA) Deputy Director, meanwhile the acting Deputy Director will retire at the end of the month. This means the top two positions at NSA and the four-star commander at Cyber Command will remain vacant for 8 months and counting. All because of infighting in the White House and the involvement of whacky Laura Loomer in hiring. We are at Cyber War everyday and the inability to get leaders in place is gross negligence.”
The White House is withdrawing @JoeFrancescon as its nominee to be the National Security Agency’s (NSA) Deputy Director, meanwhile the acting Deputy Director will retire at the end of the month. This means the top two positions at NSA and the four-star commander at Cyber Command…
— Rep. Don Bacon
(@RepDonBacon) December 12, 2025
[The Hill reported that Loomer “complained that Francescon had donated to the campaign of Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) in 2023” and identified Crow as “one of six Democrats who took part in a video last month reminding members of the military they did not have to follow illegal orders.” That video, which prominently featured veteran, astronaut and sitting U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), stirred Trump to imply its participants were treasonous.]
When University of Michigan professor Rudi Bachmann replied to Bacon, “Do something about it. Join with Democrats and hold them accountable,” Bacon replied, “I’m a Reagan Republican and I don’t agree on many issues with them either. You seem bright, but think through it.” (Bachmann replied: “Ask yourself what Reagan would have done! What even Dick Cheney did…”)
Note: When Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth selected Francescon for the job of NSA deputy director in August, U.S. Army Lt. General William J. Hartman — acting commander of U.S. Cyber Command — wrote: “I’m honored to welcome Joe Francescon back to NSA to serve as the Agency’s 21st Deputy Director and senior civilian leader. Joe began his distinguished and dedicated career in federal service here at NSA.”
Profoundly honored by your support, LTG Hartman, for my selection as NSA Deputy Director. Your steadfast leadership as Acting NSA Director and at Cyber Command sets a high standard. I am eager to partner with you, DNI @TulsiGabbard, and SecDef @PeteHegseth to strengthen our… https://t.co/BslhFkjxJP
— Joe Francescon (@JoeFrancescon) August 22, 2025
Hartman added of Francescon: “His expertise and leadership will be valuable as we execute priorities from the President, Secretary of Defense, and Director of National Intelligence to defend the nation and the American people.”