The United States Department of Defense announced the removal of National Security Agency (NSA) Director, Air Force General Timothy Haugh, a decision that has provoked widespread criticism for possibly being driven by a campaign of purging security officials. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Haugh’s departure from leading both the NSA and US Cyber Command in a statement, crediting the General for his service and wishing him well.
However, reports suggest that Haugh’s dismissal was recommended by Laura Loomer, a far-right internet activist supporting President Donald Trump. Democrats have criticized the decision, especially since Trump has not taken action against officials involved in a recent controversy regarding the inadvertent disclosure of sensitive military information on the Signal messaging app.
Senators Mark Kelly and Mark Warner have raised concerns, with Kelly stating that Trump’s decision undermines national security and favors loyalty over competence. Warner described the situation as unbelievable, pointing out that Trump did not fire officials responsible for a scandal that endangered servicemen’s lives but instead removed General Haugh, a respected security expert, based on the advice of what Warner described as a “self-described ‘pro-white nationalist'”.
Haugh’s removal is part of a larger round of firings following a meeting between Trump and Loomer at the White House. The dismissals include Haugh’s civilian deputy at the NSA, Wendy Noble, and multiple members of the National Security Council. Over a dozen security officials are reportedly impacted by this alleged purge.
Trump acknowledged the firings during a flight to a golf tournament, justifying the decisions by saying that individuals who don’t perform well or have conflicting loyalties will be let go. He defended Loomer as a “very good patriot” but denied that she was involved in a purge of security officials, even though she accused Haugh and Noble of disloyalty to the Trump administration.
Loomer’s previous statements and actions have caused concern within Trump’s administration and among Democrats, with House Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes calling for an immediate explanation for Haugh’s firing, fearing it could compromise national security.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/4/pentagon-confirms-four-star-generals-firing-amid-trump-security-purge?traffic_source=rss
