The Trump administration dismissed General Timothy Haugh, director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and US Cyber Command, and his deputy, Wendy Noble. This decision followed a meeting where far-right activist Laura Loomer urged President Trump to fire several officials she deemed disloyal, including Haugh and Noble.
Top Democrats from the Senate and House Intelligence Committees strongly criticized the firings. Representative Josh Gottheimer called the move "insane" and criticized the lack of explanation.
Concerns were raised about the potential destabilization of the NSA and the implications for national security.
Laura Loomer, who had previously accused Haugh of disloyalty due to his alleged ties to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, is credited by her own account with influencing the dismissals.
Loomer's claims were reportedly based on her own assessment of loyalty to President Trump. She claimed in a social media post that Haugh and Noble were "disloyal" and needed to be removed.
The dismissals have caused alarm among current and former defense officials. There are concerns about a growing culture of fear within the Defense Department and the potential for further dismissals based on perceived disloyalty.
Experts like Renée Burton, a cybersecurity expert with decades of NSA experience, expressed concern about the disruption caused by this personnel shakeup. The article highlights the importance of NSA and Cyber Command, especially in defending US elections from foreign interference.
The event is discussed within the broader context of a series of high-profile firings within the Trump administration, including previous dismissals of top military officials.