WASHINGTON — Brandon Williams, a former one-term congressman from New York’s 22nd district, is President Donald Trump’s (R) pick to head the Department of Energy’s semi-autonomous National Nuclear Security Administration.
Chris Wright, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Energy, told the Exchange Monitor here Wednesday after his confirmation hearing that he picked Williams personally for the position and was very excited to work with him.
“He’s a smart, passionate guy, he wants to defend our country, and make things better,” Wright said about Williams.
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is a sister office to DOE’s Office of Environmental Management. The two offices are co-located at many sites across the weapons complex. The Trump camp has yet to announce a nominee to head environmental management.
Trump confirmed the pick the day after the Monitor broke the story on Truth Social.
“I am pleased to announce that former Congressman Brandon Williams will serve as the next Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration at the United States Department of Energy,” Trump wrote Thursday. “Congratulations Brandon!”
Williams also posted in response on X Thursday thanking Trump “for the opportunity to continue serving our great nation, especially in a sector that is vital for our national security during such a pivotal time in our history. If and when confirmed by the Senate, I will be honored to lead the tremendous scientific and engineering talent at NNSA.”
“I look forward to engaging with Senators to earn their trust and support,” Williams added. “I am fully prepared to maintain and reinvigorate America’s Nuclear Security Enterprise.”
Williams was in office from 2023 to the beginning of 2025. In the November election, he could not retain his seat and was defeated by Rep. John Mannion (D-N.Y.).
During the 118th Congress, Williams resided on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.