Trump Administration Ousts Senior Commerce Officials Overseeing China Export Controls

The Trump administration has removed a top Commerce Department official overseeing export restrictions on China, sources revealed. Matthew Borman, principal deputy assistant secretary for export administration, is leaving his post after decades of government service.

Borman played a key role in enforcing trade restrictions on China and Russia, helping limit Beijing’s access to semiconductor chips and coordinating sanctions with over 30 countries in response to Russia’s Ukraine invasion. His departure marks a broader effort by the Trump administration to downsize the federal government and replace career officials it has accused—without evidence—of undermining its agenda.

Eric Hirschhorn, former head of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), called Borman "the heart of BIS and one of the finest civil servants." Washington attorney Kevin Wolf echoed similar sentiments, stating Borman and his colleague Eileen Albanese had dedicated 30 years to advancing U.S. national security.

Albanese, who managed licensing for semiconductor exports and other controlled items, has also exited the agency. Sources indicate she, like Borman, was forced out.

The Commerce Department has yet to comment, and Borman could not be reached. The move reflects ongoing tensions over U.S. export controls and their impact on global trade and national security.