Trump Dismisses NSA Director Timothy Haugh Amid Rising Cybersecurity Threats

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has dismissed General Timothy Haugh from his position as Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). Haugh, who was once the chief of US Cyber Command, had been appointed to lead the NSA in February 2024 by former President Joe Biden, following his tenure as deputy commander of Cyber Command at Fort George G. Meade.

This decision has raised significant concerns, particularly from members of Congress. Senator Mark Warner, the Vice Chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, called the firing “astonishing,” given Haugh’s reputation as a nonpartisan and experienced leader. Warner also highlighted the fact that Trump had not held any national security personnel accountable for the recent leaks of classified war plans involving Yemen, shared over the Signal messaging app.

Warner further expressed his concerns, saying, “Haugh has served our country in uniform with honor for over 30 years. At a time when the US faces unprecedented cyber threats—like the Salt Typhoon cyber attack from China—removing him from office does little to enhance American security.”

In addition, Rep. Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, criticized the move, describing it as deeply troubling. Himes, who knows Haugh personally, commended him as an honest and law-abiding leader, putting national security first. He added, “This decision leaves Americans less secure and demands immediate clarification from the administration.”

This firing comes at a critical time as the US faces escalating cybersecurity threats, such as the Salt Typhoon attack, which highlights the vulnerability of national digital infrastructure. Experts warn that leadership changes in agencies like the NSA could destabilize efforts to protect the country from cyberattacks.

For further details, read more on The New York Times’ coverage on national security.

Learn more about cybersecurity strategies in our detailed article on protecting against cyberattacks.