Trump Fires NSA Chief Following Far-Right Activist Meeting, Raising National Security Fears

The abrupt dismissal of Gen. Timothy Haugh and top intelligence staff has drawn bipartisan criticism as cybersecurity threats from adversaries escalate.

• President Trump fired NSA and Cyber Command chief Gen. Timothy Haugh, his deputy Wendy Noble, and several National Security Council staffers on April 4, 2025, with no public explanation.
• The decision followed a meeting with far-right activist Laura Loomer, who criticized Haugh and others as disloyal to Trump, sparking concerns about political influence in national security decisions.
• Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the firings, warning they undermine U.S. cyber defenses during a time of heightened threats, including a recent China-backed hacking breach of telecommunications networks.
• Gen. Haugh, widely respected for his nonpartisan leadership, was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2023 and had over three decades of experience in signals intelligence.
• Lt. Gen. William Hartman is now serving as acting commander of the NSA and Cyber Command, leaving both agencies without Senate-confirmed leadership at a critical moment for national security.

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