What’s behind Trump’s push to fire Lisa Monaco from Microsoft?
Lisa Monaco speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington. Image Credit: JONATHAN ERNST/AFP/POOL/Getty Images
President Donald Trump has escalated his campaign of retribution against former officials by demanding that Microsoft fire Lisa Monaco, its newly appointed president of global affairs. The move highlights Trump’s continued targeting of Biden-era Justice Department leaders who oversaw investigations into his conduct, raising concerns about political influence in the private sector.
Trump Targets Monaco’s Role at Microsoft
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Monaco “a menace to U.S. National Security” and urged Microsoft to remove her immediately. He cited the company’s lucrative government contracts, claiming Monaco’s access to sensitive information was unacceptable.
Monaco, who served as deputy attorney general under President Joe Biden, was closely involved in overseeing Justice Department probes into Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and election interference.
Microsoft Declines to Comment
Microsoft has not publicly responded to Trump’s demand. The tech giant appointed Monaco in May as president of global affairs, a position that gives her influence over corporate policy and government relations.
Despite Trump’s pressure, there is no indication Microsoft is considering removing Monaco.
Background: Lisa Monaco and Trump’s Longstanding Feud
Trump has repeatedly singled out Monaco as a political adversary. Alongside then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, she directed aspects of investigations that Trump continues to describe as illegitimate.
Earlier this year, Trump revoked Monaco’s security clearance, along with those of other political rivals, including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton.
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Laura Loomer’s Role in the Push
Far-right activist Laura Loomer claimed credit for alerting Trump to Monaco’s Microsoft role. Loomer tagged Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on X, pressing him to act. Her involvement underscores the intersection of political activism and Trump’s efforts to pressure private corporations.
A Pattern of Corporate Pressure
Trump’s demands regarding Monaco are not isolated. Earlier this year, he called for Intel’s CEO to resign, only to later reverse course and praise the executive. Observers see the Monaco episode as part of a broader trend of Trump inserting himself into corporate governance, blurring the lines between political vendettas and business oversight.
The pressure campaign against Monaco raises key questions about the independence of corporations when faced with political demands. Analysts argue it also highlights Trump’s ongoing focus on punishing former officials tied to investigations into his presidency, extending his retribution campaign beyond government institutions into the private sector.
FAQ: Lisa Monaco and Microsoft Controversy
Q1: Who is Lisa Monaco?
A1: Lisa Monaco is a former deputy attorney general under President Joe Biden. In May 2025, Microsoft appointed her as president of global affairs.
Q2: Why is Trump targeting Lisa Monaco?
A2: Trump blames Monaco for overseeing DOJ investigations into his mishandling of classified documents and alleged election interference. He has called her a threat to national security.
Q3: What did Trump say about Lisa Monaco at Microsoft?
A3: Trump demanded that Microsoft fire Monaco, labeling her “corrupt” and “a menace to U.S. National Security” due to the company’s major contracts with the federal government.
Q4: Has Microsoft responded to Trump’s demand?
A4: Microsoft has declined to comment publicly on Trump’s statements and has not indicated any change to Monaco’s employment.
Q5: What role does Lisa Monaco have at Microsoft?
A5: As president of global affairs, Monaco oversees Microsoft’s corporate policy, international strategy, and government relations.
Q6: Did Trump revoke Lisa Monaco’s security clearance?
A6: Yes. In March 2025, Trump rescinded Monaco’s security clearance, along with those of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Hillary Clinton.
Q7: Who pushed Trump to act against Monaco?
A7: Activist Laura Loomer claimed credit for alerting Trump to Monaco’s position at Microsoft and publicly pressured the company’s CEO to comply.
Q8: What does this controversy mean for corporate America?
A8: Analysts see it as part of Trump’s broader pattern of pressuring corporations to act against individuals he considers adversaries, raising concerns about corporate independence under political influence.