On May 1, 2025, United States Senator Bill Hagerty introduced Daniel Zimmerman, President Trump’s nominee for the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. Zimmerman has a 16-year tenure with the CIA and has been part of Hagerty’s office as an Executive Branch detailee since January 2024.
During Trump’s first presidency, Zimmerman worked at the White House, where he contributed to the negotiations of the Abraham Accords under the guidance of then-Senior Advisor Jared Kushner. “Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Reed, thank you for holding today’s confirmation hearing,” remarked Hagerty.
“It is my honor to introduce my good friend Daniel Zimmerman—President Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs,” Hagerty continued. Zimmerman’s extensive career includes experiences with special operations forces combating terrorists in Iraq and conducting international dealings on energy and trade security. He was also a significant figure in the initial support for the Abraham Accords, noted as a key achievement of Trump’s first term.
Senator Hagerty praised Zimmerman’s leadership and expertise, describing him as “tailor-made” for the role, while acknowledging the classified nature of much of Zimmerman’s work. “Daniel is the right person to serve as the next Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and I urge the members of this Committee to move quickly on his nomination,” Hagerty urged.
Zimmerman’s career and qualifications were underscored by his work in sensitive and critical global matters, solidifying him as a unique candidate for this role in defense.
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