Parnell and Kent Gets Positions Inside The Trump Administration
In a continuation of his rapid efforts to assemble his second administration, President Donald Trump announced three key appointments on Monday via a series of Truth Social posts. These selections mark another step in his effort to restructure the intelligence and defense communities with figures who have been loyal to his vision for national security.
Trump revealed that Michael Ellis will serve as deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a role that does not require Senate confirmation. Ellis, a lawyer with extensive experience in national security matters, will work under CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
I just wanted to say thank you to @POTUS. I am honored. I also want to extend my gratitude to @SecDef for this opportunity.
I must emphasize that I am the leader I am today because of the incredible Soldiers I served with in Afghanistan. Their bravery, dedication, courage &… pic.twitter.com/3RI6cTT6T0
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellUSA) February 4, 2025
The president praised Ellis as a critical asset in his mission to restore the CIA’s global standing. Trump highlighted Ellis’s role in uncovering alleged abuses of the “unmasking” process during the Obama administration, particularly in relation to the Russia investigation. Additionally, Ellis previously served as general counsel for the House Intelligence Committee under Devin Nunes and was later appointed as general counsel for the National Security Agency (NSA) before being removed under the Biden administration.
Trump’s statement signaled confidence that Ellis will help “fix the CIA” and restore it as the “Greatest Intelligence Agency in the World.”
Another major appointment is Joe Kent, a former Green Beret and CIA officer, who will now lead the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). The NCTC operates within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and is responsible for analyzing and responding to terrorist threats.
Ladies & Gentlemen, your new Pentagon Spokesman: Sean Parnell
A few years ago Sean reached out to me and said he wanted to make the best campaign ad ever.
We had a ton of fun. I know he’ll bring this energy to his new role.@SeanParnellUSA is the man!pic.twitter.com/9rh0gRcW47
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 4, 2025
Trump praised Kent’s military background and deep understanding of counterterrorism, emphasizing his personal sacrifice—his wife, Shannon, was killed while fighting against ISIS. According to Trump, Kent’s experience and personal loss have made him relentless in the fight against terrorism, both internationally and domestically.
The president vowed that under Kent’s leadership, the NCTC will aggressively combat threats ranging from jihadist networks abroad to cartel activity closer to home.
Thank you President Trump!
It’s an honor to serve our nation again, time to keep our nation safe & strong! pic.twitter.com/yxyknrTTMN
— Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) February 4, 2025
Finally, Trump named Sean Parnell as the chief Pentagon spokesman and assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs. Parnell, a decorated combat veteran, served in Afghanistan, where his unit achieved significant battlefield success, eliminating over 350 enemy fighters.
Trump lauded Parnell’s military heroism, noting that he earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. The president also credited him with playing a key role in passing the MISSION Act, a major veterans’ healthcare reform law enacted during Trump’s first term.