WASHINGTON (Agencies): President Donald Trump has dismissed Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, the head of the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. Cyber Command, according to U.S. officials and members of Congress. The unexpected firing of the four-star general, who had a distinguished 33-year career in intelligence and cyber operations, has raised questions as the White House and the Pentagon have yet to provide a clear explanation for the move.
Senior military leaders were reportedly informed on Thursday of Haugh’s termination but were given no prior warning. Haugh’s departure marks another shake-up in the Trump administration’s national security apparatus, with critics demanding an immediate explanation.
In addition to Haugh’s firing, his civilian deputy at the NSA, Wendy Noble, was also removed from her post. Noble has reportedly been reassigned to the office of the Defense Undersecretary for Intelligence. The NSA informed top lawmakers and national security committee leaders about the personnel changes late Wednesday but withheld any details about the reasons for the dismissals.
The White House has declined to comment on the situation, and the Pentagon’s official response only offered a general statement thanking Haugh for his decades of service. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell expressed gratitude for Haugh’s contributions but did not address why he was removed from his position.
“We thank General Haugh for his decades of service to our nation, culminating as U.S. Cyber Command Commander and National Security Agency Director. We wish him and his family well,” Parnell said.
The sudden firing has sparked sharp criticism, with members of Congress demanding further clarification. The move also comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the use of an unclassified Signal messaging chat involving key officials discussing military strike plans, an issue that has drawn significant attention and controversy.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer appeared to take credit for influencing Trump’s decision to fire Haugh, claiming she raised concerns about Haugh’s ties to Gen. Mark Milley and the Biden administration. Loomer, a vocal critic of Milley, alleged that Haugh’s loyalty to Trump was in question.
While the reasons behind the dismissal remain unclear, it adds to a growing list of high-level departures and personnel reshuffles within the national security establishment under the Trump administration. The sudden change at the helm of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command has raised concerns over the future direction of U.S. intelligence and cyber defense operations.
It remains uncertain who will assume leadership of the NSA and Cyber Command in the interim.