The National Security Agency (NSA) is moving to place a former Republican political operative, Michael Ellis, as its top lawyer, according to a spokesperson. “Mr. Ellis accepted his final job offer yesterday afternoon,” an NSA spokesperson told numerous news outlets on Jan. 17 in confirming the development. “NSA is moving forward with his employment.” The NSA and Department of Defense (DOD) didn’t immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. “The General Counsel of the Department of Defense is the sole selection authority for the position of General Counsel of the National Security Agency—as well as all other senior career DOD General Counsel positions,” according to a statement from the Department of Defense to The Hill, CNN, the Washington Examiner, and other outlets. “The Director of the NSA does not select or approve of candidates for the position of the NSA General Counsel. “Once a candidate is …