White House: NSA chief has had 'extraordinary tenure'

A White House spokeswoman confirmed that Gen. Keith Alexander, the director of the National Security Agency and the head of US Cyber Command, will step down in the spring.

Gen. Alexander has led the NSA as it has come under intense scrutiny over the scope of its surveillance programs following leaks by former contractor Edward Snowden. But White House spokeswoman Laura Magnuson defended Gen. Alexander's tenure -- the longest of any NSA director. "General Alexander has served an extraordinary tenure and capably led these agencies through critical periods of growth and transition," she said. "The President looks forward to continuing to work with General Alexander until his term is complete and thanks him, and the men and women of the NSA, for their patriotism and dedication as they work every day to keep us safe."