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Trump Administration Dismisses Heads of National Security Agency and Cyber Command Amid Purge
The Trump administration has reportedly dismissed the leaders of both the National Security Agency (NSA) and US Cyber Command, according to CBS News, a US media partner. This action, the removal of General Timothy Haugh, appears to be part of a broader restructuring affecting senior security officials within the agency and the White House.
Democratic Lawmakers Express Deep Concerns
Democrats have voiced serious apprehension regarding the dismissals, stating they are “deeply disturbed” by the move and believe it could jeopardize national security interests.
Unclear Reasons for Dismissal
The precise reasons for General Haugh’s dismissal remain unclear. However, it follows a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, on Wednesday.
Loomer’s Alleged Influence
Reports suggest Ms. Loomer advocated for the dismissal of specific officials whom she suspected were not fully supportive of President Trump’s agenda.
In a post on X, Ms. Loomer asserted that General Haugh and his deputy, Wendy Noble – who US media outlets also reported was terminated – “have been disloyal to President Trump. That is why they have been fired.”
President Trump, however, has denied that Ms. Loomer influenced the personnel changes.
Prior to the dismissal reports, President Trump informed journalists of his intention to remove any staff members perceived as disloyal.
“We’re always going to let go of people – people we don’t like or people that take advantage of, or people that may have loyalties to someone else,” he stated to reporters aboard Air Force One.
When explicitly questioned about Ms. Loomer’s potential involvement, he responded, “No, not at all.”
Further Firings at National Security Council
President Trump’s remarks coincided with emerging reports of at least three additional officials being dismissed from the White House National Security Council (NSC), following his meeting with Ms. Loomer. The president did not confirm the identities of these individuals.
The National Security Agency (NSA) directed inquiries from the BBC to the Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs. On Friday, the office stated it was aware of the reports but had no immediate comment, promising to provide further details as they become available.
Previously, the White House informed the BBC that the NSC “won’t comment on personnel” matters.
Congressional Intelligence Leaders React
Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, and Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, vice chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – the top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees – were the sources who disclosed General Haugh’s dismissal to CBS.
Representative Himes issued a statement, reported by CBS, expressing that he was “deeply disturbed” by the decision.
“I have known General Haugh to be an honest and forthright leader who followed the law and put national security first — I fear those are precisely the qualities that could lead to his firing in this Administration,” Mr. Himes commented.
NSC Officials Terminated
CBS News further reported that those dismissed from the NSC on Thursday included:
- Brian Walsh, Director for Intelligence
- Thomas Boodry, Senior Director for Legislative Affairs
- David Feith, Senior Director overseeing Technology and National Security
It remains unclear whether the removals of General Haugh and Ms. Noble are connected to these NSC dismissals.
Signal Messaging Controversy Precedes Firings
These personnel changes follow a recent significant controversy involving the NSC. Last month, senior officials inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal messaging thread discussing military operations in Yemen.
General Haugh, though not involved in the Signal chat, testified before Capitol Hill last week concerning the information disclosure.
The degree to which this incident contributed to the firings is currently not established.
President Trump has, to date, supported top officials involved in the incident, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who accepted responsibility for the Atlantic magazine reporter’s accidental inclusion in the Signal chat.
Loomer’s Meeting and Alleged Influence
According to a CBS source familiar with the situation, the Signal incident “opened the door” for scrutiny of staff members believed to lack sufficient alignment with President Trump, while Ms. Loomer’s visit reportedly solidified the decisions for those who were terminated.
The administration has been examining external meetings conducted by national security personnel, reprimanding some for engagements with individuals perceived as not aligned with the president, the source indicated.
Traveling to Miami, Florida, on Air Force One Thursday, President Trump commended Ms. Loomer, confirming their meeting and describing her as a “great patriot” and “very strong person”.
“She makes recommendations… sometimes I listen to those recommendations,” he said. “I listen to everybody and then I make a decision.”
In a phone conversation with the BBC, Ms. Loomer stated it would be “inappropriate” to disclose details of her Wednesday discussion with President Trump.
“It was a confidential meeting,” she explained. “It’s a shame that there are still leakers at the White House who leaked this information.”
In a subsequent statement, she texted: “It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings.”
“I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of STRONG VETTING, for the sake of protecting the President of the United States of America and our national security.”
Review of Pentagon Official’s Signal Use
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared information in the Signal chat, is now under internal review concerning his use of Signal and whether he adhered to department policies. This review is being conducted by the Pentagon’s office of the acting inspector general, as announced Thursday.
Inspector general offices routinely undertake independent investigations and audits of federal agencies, examining potential security breaches.
Inspectors General Removed
Upon returning to the White House in January, President Trump removed numerous government inspectors general and has appointed acting heads of these oversight bodies at the departments of defense, commerce, labor, and health.
Attorney General’s Office Not Currently Involved
On Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi, when questioned at an event in Florida regarding a potential investigation into the Signal incident, stated she had not discussed the matter with the president and that the incident was undergoing internal review.
“Nothing has been referred to us,” she said. “These are intelligence agencies, and they are reviewing it internally.”