U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, presided over a hearing to review the nominations for top leadership roles at U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Southern Command.
Lieutenant General Francis “Frank” L. Donovan, USMC, has been nominated as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, while Lieutenant General Joshua M. Rudd, USA, is nominated for Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency, as well as Chief of the Central Security Service.
In his opening statement, Senator Wicker highlighted the importance of these commands in maintaining national security and protecting both cyber and regional interests.
“The committee meets today to consider two nominations. We will speak with Lieutenant General Joshua Rudd, who has been nominated to be the Commander of United States Cyber Command, Director of the National Security Agency, and Commander of the Central Security Service. We will also consider the nomination of Lieutenant General Frank Donovan to be the Commander of United States Southern Command. I welcome our nominees and their families, and I would like to extend my gratitude for their continued willingness to serve our nation,” Wicker said.
He noted that if confirmed, Lieutenant General Rudd would take charge after a period without a Senate-confirmed leader since April last year. “U.S. Cyber Command is our first and last line of defense in the cyber domain. It is largely invisible to the American people. But every day, the men and women of Cyber Command defend the U.S. from attacks by our adversaries. This is not a theoretical threat. This is an ongoing fight, occurring right now even as we speak.”
Wicker pointed out that adversaries are improving their technology for more sophisticated cyber aggression that is harder to detect or deter: “We see this challenge manifesting in the homeland, where our critical infrastructure remains vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.” He referenced recent operations in Venezuela as an example where “our American cyber operators performed their job excellently and kept their fellow service members safe.”
Turning attention to U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, Wicker stated: “Lieutenant General Donovan has been nominated to serve as the Commander of U.S. Southern Command. His nomination comes as the region experiences a dramatic increase in operational tempo.” He described significant threats posed by South American cartels trafficking drugs that kill thousands in America each year: “These networks are not only criminal enterprises but are sophisticated, well-armed actors that undermine regional stability, fuel violence, and directly harm public safety in American communities.”
Wicker discussed activities by Russia, China, and Iran aimed at countering U.S interests in South America: “Three of our greatest adversaries—Russia, China, and Iran—are coordinating to counter U.S. commercial, political, and security interests in South America… Together they exploit corruption and partner with authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere…”
He outlined concerns about Chinese influence through control over infrastructure and natural resources: “Across South America, Chinese influence threatens U.S. interests by controlling critical infrastructure… China has used large-scale purchases of critical materials—such as copper, oil, and lithium—to deepen economic dependence…” He also mentioned diplomatic efforts by China affecting Taiwan’s international standing.
Regarding Russia’s activities: “Similarly, Russia has deepened security relations with authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba… Moscow has exploited local corruption to access the global financial system…”
On Iran’s involvement: “Iran has long used Hezbollah and affiliated networks in parts of South America to help with fundraising… These moves help fuel their terrorism operations around the world.”
“It is clear that our adversaries’ activities in South America represent a direct threat to U.S. interests,” Wicker said.
He expressed support for current administration strategies on counter-drug efforts: “I fully support the ongoing efforts of the Trump administration to pursue a tougher counter-drug strategies.” He praised military actions leading to arrests related to narco-terrorism charges.
“I look forward to hearing from Lieutenant General Donovan about his plans to lead Southern Command in restoring American deterrence and ensuring we have the right blend of military and economic effects across South America and the Caribbean,” he concluded.
Senator Wicker represents Mississippi in Congress after previous service in state government roles; he currently leads national defense initiatives including chairing this committee (official website).