NSA director, deputy removed as Trump reshapes intelligence leadership

• The Trump administration ousted the heads of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command during a major shake-up. Acting leaders are now in place.
• The firings followed a meeting between President Donald Trump and activist Laura Loomer, who urged removing officials she viewed as disloyal.
• Lawmakers and experts raised concerns, warning the shake-up could weaken U.S. cyber defenses amid rising threats from China and Russia.

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The Trump administration dismissed Gen. Timothy Haugh from his position as head of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, alongside his civilian deputy, Wendy Noble, according to multiple U.S. officials. These firings took place on Thursday, April 3.

The administration has not publicly stated a reason for the dismissals. Haugh served just over a year in the dual role after being nominated by former President Joe Biden in May 2023.

Lt. Gen. William Hartman, who had been deputy at Cyber Command, has been named acting NSA director, officials said. Sheila Thomas, formerly the NSA’s executive director, serves as acting deputy.

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What sparked the personnel changes?

The dismissals followed a meeting between President Donald Trump and conservative activist Laura Loomer, who confirmed to The Washington Post that she urged the president to remove officials she considered disloyal.

Loomer named Haugh and Noble, alleging ties to retired Gen. Mark Milley.

Milley, who played a role in Haugh’s nomination, had his security clearance revoked in January by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

At least six National Security Council staffers were also dismissed the same day, according to CBS News. Loomer has advocated for broad personnel changes in the national security establishment.

What have lawmakers and experts said?

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, called Haugh’s removal “astonishing,” adding that the general had served with distinction during a time of rising global threats.

Rep. Jim Himes, ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Haugh was “honest and forthright” and suggested those traits may have played a role in his firing.

Former intelligence officials praised Haugh’s leadership during efforts to counter Russian interference in the 2018 U.S. elections and recent cyber operations.

How does this affect US cyber readiness?

The shake-up comes amid heightened cybersecurity concerns, including China’s Salt Typhoon operation and the recent Signal messaging leak involving senior Trump administration officials. Haugh had testified before Congress about these issues just days before his dismissal.

Critics questioned how removing the NSA’s top leadership enhances national security. Haugh also recently hosted Trump adviser Elon Musk at NSA headquarters, highlighting the agency’s alignment with the administration’s tech-focused goals.

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What’s next for leadership at the NSA?

Hartman and Thomas are now leading the agency in an acting capacity. The administration has not announced permanent replacements.

Noble has been reassigned to the Pentagon’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Haugh and Noble have not issued public statements.