In Washington, gCaptain reports the White House’s maritime policy office at the National Security Council lost two top staffers last week, including Ian Bennitt, senior director for maritime and industrial capacity, and Brian McCormack, the NSC’s chief of staff, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Bennitt is reportedly leaving for the private sector. McCormack will serve as chief of staff for Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican ally of President Donald Trump. Their exits follow waves of firings that began in the spring, thinning the council’s ranks and folding or consolidating entire sections.
The administration had spotlighted the creation of the maritime office as proof of its commitment to rebuilding U.S. shipbuilding and reducing reliance on China. In April, Trump signed an executive order pledging to revive domestic maritime capacity. But by July, five of seven office staff had departed, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A White House spokesperson said there is now more emphasis on maritime issues at the State Department and the Office of Management and Budget. The NSC, once central to security policy, has since ceded ground to other agencies.
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
