NSA Director Gen. Haugh Fired, Civilian Deputy Director Reassigned Amid Uncertainty

The Trump administration has dismissed National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh and reassigned civilian Deputy Director Wendy Noble, according to a senior defense official. The reasons behind the major shakeup, which also saw Haugh removed from his role as commander of U.S. Cyber Command, remain unclear.

Noble has been reassigned to the office of the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, as reported by The Washington Post. Although some details remain murky, the firings have sparked sharp reactions from key lawmakers in Washington.

Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, described Haugh's dismissal as "astonishing," particularly in the face of mounting cyber threats like the recent Salt Typhoon cyberattack allegedly from China. Warner noted, "General Haugh has served our country in uniform, with honor and distinction, for more than 30 years. How does firing him make Americans any safer?" He also criticized the administration for prioritizing staff changes over addressing leaked classified information.

Rep. Jim Himes, a ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed similar concerns, labeling the decision as "deeply disturbing." Himes remarked on Haugh's reputation as an honest and forthright leader who prioritized national security. "I fear those are precisely the qualities that could lead to his firing in this administration," he said, demanding an immediate explanation.

Fueling the controversy is speculation that the firings may have been influenced by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who reportedly presented President Trump with a list of disloyal National Security Council staff members. While Trump denied Loomer's direct involvement in the NSA dismissals, her connection to the administration continues to raise eyebrows.

The timing and circumstances of these decisions have left many puzzled, especially given the growing importance of cybersecurity in national defense. Fox News Digital reached out to the NSA for comment but was redirected to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.