Trump Administration Abruptly Fires NSA and Cyber Command Chief Timothy Haugh

The Trump administration has dismissed Timothy Haugh, the head of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cyber Command. Haugh, who had been in the role for just over a year, was appointed in February 2024 following the retirement of his predecessor.

The Washington Post first broke the news, reporting that Haugh’s firing followed pressure from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who advocated for his removal alongside other national security officials during a meeting with former President Donald Trump on Thursday.

Alongside Haugh, Wendy Noble, NSA’s deputy director and the agency’s top civilian official, was also let go. The immediate leadership at both the NSA and Cyber Command remains unclear following these sudden departures.

The news has sparked significant concern among senior lawmakers, who appear to have been caught off guard by the announcement. Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, labeled the firing “astonishing,” highlighting Haugh’s distinguished three-decade military career and expressing concern over the potential impact on national security amid escalating cyber threats from adversaries like China.

Warner criticized the administration further for what he sees as inconsistency, referencing recent incidents involving senior administration officials reportedly sharing classified information on a messaging platform. Democratic Congressman Jim Himes, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, echoed these concerns, calling Haugh’s dismissal “deeply disturbing.”

Earlier this year, Elon Musk, head of the administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, had met with Haugh at NSA headquarters to align the agency’s priorities with Trump’s policies, after previously advocating for changes within the agency.

Neither the White House nor the Department of Defence has provided detailed comments on the situation, leaving many questions unanswered about the future direction of these crucial national security organisations.

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