On Thursday, both the head and deputy director of the National Security Agency were removed from their roles, according to a defense official and three sources familiar with the situation.
The reasons for the dismissals of Air Force General Timothy Haugh and his deputy were unclear, the sources stated.
The White House National Security Council did not immediately provide a comment on the matter.
Haugh, who had served as both the head of U.S. Cyber Command and NSA director since February 2024, was a seasoned leader with over 30 years in the Air Force, focusing on intelligence and cyber roles. His deputy, Wendy Noble, had been with the NSA since 1987 and was the agency’s top civilian leader.
Both Haugh and Noble were career officials. Haugh held a degree in Russian studies, while Noble had worked her way up through the agency.
The firings drew criticism from Congressional Democrats. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, questioned the move, noting that Haugh had been known as an honest and committed leader who prioritized national security. Himes demanded an immediate explanation for the decision, arguing it made the nation less safe.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, expressed astonishment at the removal, especially given the growing cyber threats facing the U.S., citing the recent Salt Typhoon cyberattack from China.
Larry Pfeiffer, a former senior intelligence official, called the dismissals “unprecedented,” warning that political interference with intelligence agencies could undermine national security.
The dismissals followed a visit by Trump adviser Elon Musk to the NSA headquarters, where he met with Haugh. This visit came after Musk suggested on social media that the NSA needed significant changes. Additionally, NBC News reported that Trump had fired several National Security Council officials earlier this week, shortly after far-right activist Laura Loomer met with him and expressed dissatisfaction with members of his national security team.