General Timothy D. Haugh, the head of the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command, was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump last week, not over policy disagreements or performance, but following accusations of “disloyalty” from far-right activist and Trump advisor Laura Loomer, according to US officials and Loomer’s own statements on social media, the New York Times reported.
Loomer’s influence sparks backlash
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Loomer, a conspiracy theorist with no formal national security background, reportedly advised Trump to remove Haugh, claiming he was aligned with former officials like Gen. Mark Milley and James Clapper—both frequent Trump critics. Her role in orchestrating Haugh’s removal alarmed lawmakers and security experts. “Laura Loomer said it. She is the one who told Trump to fire him,” said Sen. Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees.
Bipartisan concern over national security implications
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticised the dismissal and the growing trend of appointing ideologically aligned but inexperienced officials to top defence roles. “If decades of experience in uniform isn’t enough to lead the NSA., but amateur isolationists can hold senior policy jobs… what are the criteria?” he asked. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, defended Haugh as a competent, loyal leader and warned that the administration’s “clown car” approach to staffing threatens US safety.
Structural risks and agency shakeups
The Trump administration is also reportedly considering splitting the roles of NSA director and Cyber Command chief, a move critics say would disrupt coordination between the two agencies. While Cyber Command conducts offensive and defensive cyber operations, the NSA gathers intelligence through signals intercepts—missions long viewed as best managed under unified leadership. Himes expressed scepticism that the Trump administration would execute such a split responsibly, citing recent budget cuts and the firing of skilled personnel.
Policy redirection and internal frustration
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Himes added that Haugh had been reorienting NSA priorities toward White House demands, including stepped-up operations against drug cartels. He disputed claims of internal resistance. “It is not the low performers or obsolete skill sets that are being fired,” Himes warned, “It is some of our most valuable people.”
Dangerous timing amid foreign cyber threats
Lawmakers fear the dismissal could weaken US cyber defences at a critical moment. Senator King warned that Chinese and Russian-backed cyberattacks remain active threats, and removing the country’s top cyber leader on Loomer’s advice sends a dangerous signal. “Our country is under attack in cyberspace,” he said. “And the president has just removed our top general from the field for no reason.”
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