Daniel Zimmerman to Lead International Security Affairs at the Pentagon

His Senate confirmation comes days after the U.S. launched strikes on Iran.

The U.S. Senate today held a recorded vote to confirm one individual nominated by President Donald Trump to serve in the executive branch of government - specifically in the U.S. Department of Defense led by Secretary Pete Hegseth since January 2025.

In a 61-35 vote, Daniel Zimmerman was confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. The position has been held by an acting official since January 2025, when Celeste Ann Wallander resigned after serving since February 2022.

Eight Democrats and one Independent joined 52 Republican in approving Zimmerman’s nomination. 34 Democrats and one Independent voted in opposition. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) did not vote.

Zimmerman was nominated to this position by Trump in March 2025. Since January 2024, he has been a key intelligence aide to Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

Previously, Zimmerman worked as an officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for 16 years. During Trump’s first term, he was detailed to the White House to work on negotiations pertaining to the Abraham Accords.