iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Matt Olsen was nominated by President Joe Biden in May 2021 to lead the Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD). At the time, he was Uber’s chief trust and security officer and had previously held senior roles at the NSA, DOJ and the National Counterterrorism Center. The Senate confirmed him on October 28, 2021; DOJ records list his service as assistant attorney general from 2021 through 2025.
Who is Matt Olsen?
Matthew G. Olsen is a lawyer and former national-security official whose career spans the Justice Department, intelligence agencies and the private sector. The White House described him in its 2021 announcement as having more than two decades of government service. White House announcement, May 26, 2021
Why did Biden nominate Olsen to lead DOJ’s National Security Division?
Olsen brought experience in both national-security law and intelligence leadership, along with a recent senior security role at Uber. DOJ says he helped establish the National Security Division in 2006 and was its first career Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security. His background also included serving as NSA general counsel, leading the National Counterterrorism Center from 2011 to 2014, holding senior DOJ posts and working as special counsel to the FBI director. DOJ archived profile
Recommended Free Tools
When the White House announced the nomination, the department was focused on threats including espionage, terrorism, foreign interference in U.S. elections and cyberattacks, CyberScoop reported. CyberScoop
#1 Best Overall
What does DOJ’s National Security Division do?
DOJ says NSD leads the department’s work against terrorism, espionage, cybercrime and other national-security threats. It coordinates intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and national-security law and policy, bringing prosecutors together with attorneys working across the intelligence community. The division began operations in September 2006. DOJ National Security Division DOJ announcement on the division’s creation
Was Matt Olsen confirmed by the Senate?
Yes. On October 28, 2021, the Senate confirmed Olsen as Assistant Attorney General for National Security by a vote of 53 to 45, with two senators not voting. U.S. Senate roll call, 2021
How long did Matt Olsen serve as national-security chief?
DOJ’s archived profile lists Olsen’s service as Assistant Attorney General for National Security as 2021–2025. DOJ archived profile
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What did Olsen say about intelligence and public trust?
In a 2019 CyberTalks appearance, when he was Uber’s chief trust and security officer, Olsen said the government had made “some strong steps forward in regaining the trust of the American people on intelligence collection” and had done a good job rebuilding relationships with allies, “but it has not done enough.” CyberScoop, 2019
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
