Trump Picks Ex-Bush Aide Thomas Bossert to Be Top Counterterrorism Adviser

President-elect Donald J. Trump last week. Thomas P. Bossert will become assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, a position the transition team said would be equal in status to that of Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, second from right. CreditKevin D. Liles for The New York Times

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald J. Trump has named Thomas P. Bossert, a top national security aide under President George W. Bush, to be his homeland security adviser, the Trump transition team announced Tuesday morning.

Mr. Bossert will become assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, a position the transition team said would be equal in status to that of Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, whom Mr. Trump has chosen to be his national security adviser. President Obama’s homeland security aide has been a deputy national security adviser.

The change in rank “reflects the unwavering commitment President-elect Trump has to the safety and security of the nation, its people and territory,” the transition team said in the statement.

“Mr. Bossert will focus on domestic and transnational security priorities as General Michael Flynn remains steadfastly focused on international security challenges,” it said.

Mr. Trump called him “an invaluable asset” and praised the breadth of experience he would bring to the new administration.

“He has a handle on the complexity of homeland security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity challenges,” Mr. Trump said in the statement.

Mr. Bossert served as deputy homeland security adviser for Mr. Bush, and he currently runs a risk management consulting firm in Washington. He is also a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council research institution, working on its Cyber Statecraft Initiative.

Helping to protect the country from cybercrimes is likely to be a major focus for Mr. Bossert in light of the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and other incidents in recent years. Mr. Bossert will face the challenge of balancing cybersecurity needs against the privacy concerns of internet companies.

“We must work toward cyber doctrine that reflects the wisdom of free markets, private competition and the important but limited role of government in establishing and enforcing the rule of law, honoring the rights of personal property, the benefits of free and fair trade, and the fundamental principles of liberty,” Mr. Bossert said in the statement announcing his appointment.

P.C: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/us/politics/thomas-bossert-national-security-trump.html?_r=0