On Tuesday, Trump tapped an experienced national security adviser to serve as assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism.
A statement from Trump's transition team said Thomas Bossert will advise the president on issues related to homeland security, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity, and he will coordinate the Cabinet's process for formulating and executing policy. The position "is being elevated and restored to its independent status alongside the national security adviser," the statement said.
Policymakers have long debated whether such national security jobs should operate independently from the White House.
Bossert will work closely with Trump's pick for national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. Bossert is currently president of the risk management consulting firm CDS Consulting. He previously served as deputy assistant to the president for homeland security under President George W. Bush.