Why Did Trump Urge Microsoft to Dismiss Lisa Monaco?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trump accuses Monaco of being a national security threat.
- Monaco has held her role at Microsoft since May.
- Trump has revoked her security clearances.
- Concerns about tech companies and their government collaborations are rising.
- Microsoft is navigating new H1B visa regulations.
New Delhi, Sep 27 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft Corp. to terminate its Head of Global Affairs, Lisa Monaco, accusing her of being “corrupt,” “deranged,” and “a threat to US national security”.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump asserted that Monaco's high-ranking position at Microsoft, a firm with extensive government contracts, grants her access to sensitive information that he believes she is untrustworthy to manage.
Trump stated that he has already revoked Monaco's security clearances and barred her from entering federal properties.
According to a report by Verge, “After successfully manipulating Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and ultimately failing to cancel Jimmy Kimmel, President Donald Trump has identified his next target for retribution: Microsoft’s head of global affairs, Lisa Monaco.”
Monaco assumed her role at Microsoft in May and has since been spearheading the company’s global government relations after a lengthy career in public service.
She previously served as the 39th deputy attorney general under former US President Joe Biden and AG Merrick Garland, which “might be her biggest offense in Trump’s perception,” the report noted.
While it remains unclear why Trump chose this time to target Monaco, he may have only recently become aware of her responsibilities at Microsoft, as suggested by the report.
Additionally, the report indicated that Microsoft has not typically been on Trump’s radar, but the company has recently scaled back its collaboration with the Israeli military amid concerns regarding the mass surveillance of Palestinian civilians.
US tech companies like Microsoft reportedly express dissatisfaction with the latest H1B visa regulations.
Earlier this month, Microsoft advised employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas who are currently outside the US to return immediately, ahead of the September 21 deadline set by Trump, when the $100,000 fee on H1-B visas will be implemented.