According to informed sources, an official from the U.S. Department of Commerce has been dismissed by the Trump administration; the department led by this official had effectively prohibited almost all Chinese vehicles from entering the U.S. market on national security grounds.
The sources indicated that Elizabeth "Liz" Cannon has resigned from her position as Executive Director of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS). This office was established in 2022 with the mandate to investigate threats to the supply chain posed by foreign competitors.
News of Cannon's impending departure emerged shortly after the U.S. Department of Commerce abandoned a plan to restrict Chinese drones. Despite prior U.S. concerns that hostile actors could potentially remotely access and control such devices, thereby compromising sensitive American data, the relevant restrictions were ultimately shelved.
The Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services falls under the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). In addition to shelving the drone restrictions, the office has also delayed issuing regulations to address concerns regarding the export of medium and heavy-duty trucks. A year earlier, during Joe Biden's administration, the office finalized a rule that effectively blocked Chinese passenger vehicles from the U.S. market.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Industry and Security stated on Friday: "BIS is committed to using the authorities of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services to address national security risks posed by foreign technology. Recent personnel changes at ICTS will further strengthen the office's capabilities, ensuring it continues to serve the American people."
Informed sources also revealed that even if Cannon had not resigned voluntarily, she would have been reassigned from her current position. The Trump administration plans to appoint a politically appointed official to fill the role. Two sources disclosed that Cannon's final day in the office is expected to be February 20th.
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