U.S. Fires National Security Agency Director and Deputy in Major Shakeup

The director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), Gen. Timothy Haugh, and his deputy, Wendy Noble, were removed from their positions, The Washington Post reported Thursday, citing U.S. officials.

Haugh, who also led U.S. Cyber Command, was dismissed along with Noble, who has been reassigned to a role within the Pentagon’s intelligence office. Lt. Gen. William Hartmann, previously Cyber Command’s deputy, was appointed as acting NSA director, while Sheila Thomas, the agency’s former executive director, will serve as acting deputy.

The Pentagon and White House have not commented on the dismissals, and the reasons for their removal remain unclear. However, top Democrats on the Senate and House intelligence committees, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Jim Himes, condemned the decision, arguing it undermines U.S. cybersecurity.

Warner criticized President Donald Trump’s move, questioning how the removal of an experienced intelligence leader improves national security. Himes expressed concerns about the administration’s approach to intelligence personnel, calling for an explanation.

The firings come amid broader staffing changes within the administration. Several members of the National Security Council were recently dismissed following a meeting in which far-right activist Laura Loomer reportedly urged Trump to remove officials she deemed disloyal. The connection between these firings and Haugh’s dismissal remains uncertain.

Haugh had been in charge of both the NSA and Cyber Command since 2023, overseeing intelligence collection and military cyber operations. His removal follows recent controversy over a leaked military operation discussed on a messaging app by senior officials, though Haugh was not involved.

The dismissals also follow a visit by billionaire Elon Musk to NSA headquarters last month. Musk, who heads the administration’s government efficiency department, met with Haugh, reportedly to align agency priorities with Trump’s policies.

The NSA plays a critical role in U.S. intelligence gathering, while Cyber Command defends national networks and conducts cyber operations. Experts warn that leadership changes could disrupt cybersecurity operations. Former NSA official Renée Burton called the firings “alarming,” warning that replacing experienced leadership could create vulnerabilities.