Chris Krebs has resigned as SentineOne’s Chief Intelligence and Public Policy Officer less than a week after the revocation of his security clearance and a presidential order to review CISA’s conduct under his leadership.
Krebs, who doubled as President of PinnacleOne, SentinelOne’s strategic advisory group, said the resignation is effective immediately.
“I want to be clear: this is my decision, and mine alone,” Krebs said in a goodbye note to SentinelOne staff. “This is my fight, not the company’s.”
“For those who know me, you know I don’t shy away from tough fights. But I also know this is one I need to take on fully — outside of SentinelOne. This will require my complete focus and energy. It’s a fight for democracy, for freedom of speech, and for the rule of law. I’m prepared to give it everything I’ve got,” Krebs added.
Just last week, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to terminate any active security clearances held by Krebs and to suspend clearances held by individuals affiliated with entities associated with him, including SentinelOne, pending a national interest review.
The Trump memorandum also orders a comprehensive evaluation of CISA’s activities over the past six years, including a probe into whether Krebs’ leadership or agency actions violated federal employee conduct standards or involved the unauthorized dissemination of classified material.
The White House memo also alleges that during his time in government, Krebs engaged in activities that it claims were inconsistent with the administration’s policies on free speech and government neutrality.
Krebs, who led CISA from its creation in 2018 until he was fired by Trump in November 2020, had publicly rejected claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, calling it “the most secure in American history.”
After his firing, Krebs was a founding-partner in the Krebs Stamos Group, which was later acquired by SentinelOne.
Related: Trump Revokes Security Clearance for Ex-CISA Director Chris Krebs
Related: SolarWinds Taps Firm Started by Ex-CISA Chief Chris Krebs
Related: Industry Reactions to Trump Firing CISA Director Chris Krebs
Related: DHS Disbands Cyber Safety Review Board, Ending CISA Bright Spot