Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:NSA / Getty Images
Apps
Biotech & Health
mood
Image Credits:NSA / Getty Images
Cloud Computing
Commerce Department
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
fundraise
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
layoff
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
result
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
The Trump administration has fired Timothy Haugh , the head of the National Security Agency ( NSA ) and Cyber Command , several news publication reported overnight into Friday .
Haugh , a career military functionary , led the National Security Agency , the U.S. ’s main wiretapping and intelligence operation - gather agency , for small more than a year after his assignment in February 2024 following his forerunner ’s retreat . Haugh also oversaw Cyber Command , a military unit that conducts offensive cyber operations against U.S. adversaries .
The Washington Post , which first reported the word , andThe New York Times , say the firings come after right - wing militant Laura Loomer preach for Haugh ’s firing along with several other national security measure officials during a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday .
NSA deputy sheriff director Wendy Noble , who served as the agency ’s top civilian leader , was also let go , according to reports .
When hit by TechCrunch , White House spokesperson Anna Kelly postpone comment to the Department of Defense , which put up the NSA ; as did Eddie Bennett , a spokesperson for the National Security Agency .
A spokesperson for the Department of Defense , who did not provide their name , evidence TechCrunch that the governing body has “ seen the reports but [ has ] nothing to offer at this time , ” and that it will “ provide more information when it becomes uncommitted . ”
In a tardy email , NSA confirm that Lt . Gen. William J. Hartman will serve as play head of the NSA and Cyber Command . Sheila Thomas , a life history intelligence official , was designate acting deputy director of the NSA .
The move to oust one of the country ’s top intelligence operation official appear to catch senior lawmakers overseeing the agency by surprise .
In a statement , Mark Warner , a Democrat senator from Virginia and vice death chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee , called the news of Haugh ’s firing “ astonishing . ”
“ General Haugh has process our state in uniform , with honour and distinction , for more than 30 yr , ” enjoin Warner . “ At a sentence when the United States is facing unprecedented cyber threat , as the Salt Typhoon cyberattack from China has so clearly underscored , how does force out him make Americans any safer ? ” he wrote , cite to aseries of long - running China - led hacks against U.S. phone and net giantsthat were discovered last year .
Warner also criticize the Trump government for the firing while “ still failing to keep back any member of his squad accountable ” for sharing classified selective information about air strikes in Yemen in a Signal message radical chat with several other senior cabinet - degree officials , whichinadvertently included a journalist .
Jim Himes , a Democrat representative who heads the House ’s intelligence citizens committee , said in comment that he was “ profoundly worried ” by the decision to remove Haugh .
In March , The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk , whoheads the Trump administration ’s Department of Government Efficiency , met with Haugh at the NSA ’s headquarters in Fort Meade , Maryland . At the fourth dimension , the NSA said the meeting was to ensure its priorities were aligned with the Trump administration .
Musk had previously call for an “ redevelopment ” at the spy agency but did not leave specific .
update with comment from NSA regarding the play headland .
