Air Force General Timothy Haugh was fired from his position as the director of the National Security Agency (NSA) on Thursday. His removal comes amid a significant shakeup within the U.S. national security apparatus, as at least three staff members from the National Security Council were also reportedly dismissed on the same day.
Haugh, who had been leading the NSA since February 2024, is known for overseeing the agency responsible for cyber espionage and electronic surveillance. Alongside him, Wendy Noble, his civilian deputy, was also let go. Noble is expected to take on a new role within the Pentagon’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.
The reasons behind Haugh’s dismissal remain unclear, with U.S. officials not providing specific explanations. There is also uncertainty about whether he will continue in his role as the chief of Cyber Command, a position he holds concurrently with his NSA directorship.
This abrupt change in leadership at the NSA follows a visit from Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, to the agency just a month prior. Musk’s visit marked a notable moment as it was his first known engagement with a U.S. intelligence agency.
Lt. Gen. William J. Hartmann, Haugh’s deputy at Cyber Command, has been appointed as the acting director of the NSA following Haugh’s removal.
Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia and the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed strong disapproval of Haugh’s firing. He highlighted Haugh’s long service and questioned how this decision would enhance national security, especially in light of ongoing cyber threats like the recent Salt Typhoon attack attributed to China. Warner also criticized President Trump, suggesting that the firings were influenced by a meeting Trump had with right-wing influencer Laura Loomer, which occurred shortly before the dismissals.
Trump acknowledged his meeting with Loomer but denied that it had any bearing on the firings at the National Security Council. The White House has not commented on Haugh’s firing, nor has the Pentagon provided a response to inquiries about the situation.
As the nation grapples with increasing cyber threats, the leadership changes at the NSA raise important questions about the future direction of U.S. cybersecurity efforts.