Trump Urges Microsoft to Dismiss Lisa Monaco

President Trump calls for the removal of Microsoft’s global affairs chief, citing national security concerns and political history.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly called on Microsoft to terminate Lisa Monaco (pictured), the company’s global affairs president, citing her prior roles in Democratic administrations and alleged threats to national security. Monaco, who joined Microsoft in July, previously served as a senior security official under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Her responsibilities at the tech firm include managing government relations worldwide, according to her LinkedIn profile. Trump’s statement follows the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and appears to be part of a broader effort targeting individuals he views as political adversaries.

Political Background and Security Clearance

Monaco played a key role in coordinating the Justice Department’s response to the January 6 Capitol attack, an event that remains politically charged. Earlier this year, her security clearances were revoked, and Trump announced on Friday that she has been banned from all federal properties. In a post on Truth Social, he described her as “a menace to U.S. National Security,” referencing Microsoft’s government contracts as a point of concern. Neither Monaco nor Microsoft responded immediately to requests for comment.

Broader Pattern of Executive Intervention

Since returning to office in January, Trump has taken an active role in reshaping institutions and targeting individuals linked to past investigations. His administration has pressured law firms, universities, and prosecutors, while also pushing for legal action against figures such as John Bolton, Letitia James, and Adam Schiff. Corporate America has not been exempt, with Trump demanding leadership changes at Intel and influencing programming decisions at Disney’s ABC. These moves reflect an unprecedented level of executive involvement in both public and private sectors.

Tech Industry Relations and Political Tensions

Microsoft, along with other major tech firms, has sought to improve relations with the Trump administration during his second term. Several industry leaders attended his inauguration and have since participated in White House events, including a recent dinner with CEO Satya Nadella. Despite these efforts, Trump and Republican allies have continued to criticize perceived anti-conservative bias within the tech industry. The call to dismiss Monaco adds another layer to the complex relationship between technology companies and federal leadership.

Shifting Norms in Government-Corporate Dynamics

Trump’s direct engagement with corporate personnel decisions, such as the demand for Monaco’s dismissal, illustrates a shift in how political influence intersects with private enterprise. Historically, such interventions were rare and typically limited to regulatory or policy matters. The current approach blurs traditional boundaries, raising questions about executive power and corporate autonomy. As tech firms navigate this evolving landscape, their leadership choices may increasingly attract political scrutiny.