Trump’s National Security Agency Chief and Deputy Director Dismissed

The Trump administration has dismissed General Timothy Haugh, the director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and chief of U.S. Cyber Command, along with his civilian deputy, Wendy Noble.

The firings, confirmed late Thursday, have sparked widespread concern among lawmakers and security experts, particularly as the nation grapples with escalating cyber threats.

General Haugh, who had served as NSA director since February 2024, was known for his extensive experience in intelligence and cybersecurity.

His removal comes at a critical time when the agency is tasked with defending against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, including recent incidents attributed to Chinese state actors. Lt. Gen. William Hartman, previously deputy director of Cyber Command, has been appointed as acting NSA director to fill the leadership void.

The reasons behind Haugh and Noble’s abrupt dismissals remain unclear, fueling speculation about political motivations. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has provided an official explanation, while NSA representatives declined to comment.

Congressional Democrats have expressed alarm over the decision, with Representative Jim Himes and Senator Mark Warner calling for transparency. Warner criticized the move as “astonishing,” emphasizing that Haugh’s expertise was vital amid unprecedented cyber challenges.

Himes echoed similar concerns, stating that Haugh’s commitment to lawful practices and prioritization of national security might have led to his firing under an administration increasingly accused of politicizing intelligence operations.

The timing of these dismissals has raised eyebrows across Washington. They follow a meeting between President Trump and far-right activist Laura Loomer earlier this week in which Loomer reportedly advocated for the removal of certain officials she deemed disloyal. This coincided with additional firings within the National Security Council earlier Thursday, further stoking fears of political interference in national security matters.

Haugh’s removal also comes on the heels of recent controversies surrounding leaked classified information on Signal—a messaging platform—and criticism over delays in dismantling diversity initiatives within federal agencies.