Bolton considering eliminating top cybersecurity job: report

National security adviser John Bolton is considering doing away with the top White House cybersecurity job, according to a Politico report. 

The push to eliminate the role of special assistant to the president and cybersecurity coordinator is being led by Bolton, and is supported by his deputy Mira Ricardel, Politico reported. 

One former official told the news outlet that the odds of the position being abolished were “60-40.” That official also said Ricardel is “thinking about whether to simply pick up the [cyber] function on her own.”

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The job is currently held by Rob Joyce, who is set to leave his post at the White House to return to the National Security Agency, where he previously worked. 

The push to do away with the position comes as the U.S. faces a number of cyber threats, ranging from Russian efforts to meddle in American elections to hacking attempts by Iranian actors. 

Bolton, who took office last month, has advocated an aggressive approach to cybersecurity. But he has also told his staff that he wants to restructure the National Security Council. 

A memo sent to staff by Bolton last month said the changes could involve combining higher-level director positions, according to Fox News, which obtained a copy of the document.

Cybersecurity experts voiced concern over the possible elimination of the job, telling Politico that it could leave the U.S. with a less cohesive cyber strategy and would send a message that cybersecurity is not a top priority for Washington.

The cybersecurity coordinator position was created by former President Obama in late 2009 and is responsible for managing federal cyber strategy.