The Trump administration has fired Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, director of the National Security Agency and head of U.S. Cyber Command, along with his deputy, Wendy Noble, amid concerns about staff loyalty, according to officials familiar with the matter.
The dismissals come at a critical time when the United States faces mounting cybersecurity challenges, including the recent Salt Typhoon cyberattack from China.
Haugh, who was appointed to these roles in February 2024, served approximately one year before his dismissal. His tenure began after a distinguished 30-year military career that included serving as deputy commander of Cyber Command.
Sen. Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed concern about the decision, stating, “General Haugh has served our country in uniform, with honor and distinction, for more than 30 years. At a time when the United States is facing unprecedented cyber threats, as the Salt Typhoon cyberattack from China has so clearly underscored, how does firing him make Americans any safer?”
The dismissals reportedly came after influence from right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who posted on X about concerns regarding loyalty to former President Trump. Loomer wrote, “NSA Director Tim Haugh and his deputy Wendy Noble have been disloyal to President Trump. That is why they have been fired… As a Biden appointee, General Haugh had no place serving in the Trump admin given the fact that he was HAND PICKED by General Milley, who was accused of committing treason by President Trump.”
Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, defended Haugh’s leadership: “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.”
In response to the leadership change, Lt. Gen. William J. Hartman will serve as acting director of the NSA and acting commander of U.S. Cyber Command. Additionally, Sheila Thomas, NSA’s deputy director, is expected to assume Haugh’s responsibilities at the NSA.
The transition occurs as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause in some offensive cyber operations against Russia, signaling potential shifts in U.S. cyber strategy under the Trump administration.