Trump fires NSA Chief, Deputy in major shake-up

The administration of President Donald Trump has dismissed the director and deputy director of the National Security Agency (NSA), a key U.S. cyber intelligence body, according to lawmakers and former officials.

General Timothy Haugh, who also led U.S. Cyber Command, was removed from his position, marking a significant shift in the country’s intelligence leadership.

His deputy, Wendy Noble, was also fired, a move that has drawn criticism from senior Democratic lawmakers.

Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrats on the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, condemned Haugh’s removal, questioning the rationale behind the decision.

While the reasons for the dismissals remain unclear, Lt. Gen. William Hartman is expected to take over as acting head of both NSA and Cyber Command.

The firings come amid a broader shake-up within the National Security Council, reportedly influenced by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who allegedly urged President Trump to remove disloyal staff members during a recent meeting.

However, it is uncertain if the NSA dismissals are directly linked to this.

Neither the NSA nor Cyber Command has commented on the matter, and inquiries directed to the Office of the Secretary of Defense have gone unanswered.

General Haugh, who took office in February 2024, had been active in cybersecurity operations, including hosting billionaire Elon Musk at NSA and Cyber Command headquarters last month.

Concerns have emerged within the Defense Department regarding an atmosphere of fear, with officials reportedly worried that their loyalty to Trump could determine their job security.

Some defense experts have also raised alarms over the administration’s handling of sensitive intelligence matters, including a recent controversy involving high-ranking officials discussing classified military operations in a group chat unknowingly joined by a journalist.

The NSA remains a crucial player in U.S. intelligence, conducting global cybersecurity operations, while Cyber Command has played a key role in countering foreign cyber threats, particularly during past U.S. elections.