Unveiling Dismissals at the NSA and the Security Council: A Shift in US Intelligence Policy?
Intelligence Leadership in U.S.: Overseeing roles of NSA and National Security Council - U.S. Press: Leading figure of U.S. intelligence agency NSA and National Security Council
In a surprising move, the NSA's top brass, General Timothy Haugh and his deputy, Wendy Noble, were reportedly let go, with Laura Loomer confirming the news but without an official statement [1][2]. Loomer, known for her inflammatory remarks on race, religion, and sexual orientation, accused the ousted officials of being disloyal to President Trump [1][2].
Recently, Loomer visited the White House and, according to reports, also accused the dismissed members of the security council of disloyalty. The New York Times suggests that six members based in the White House were relieved of their duties, including three high-ranking ones [1].
The National Security Council's chairman, Mike Waltz, managed to hold onto his position, despite significant pressure due to the infamous Signal affair [1]. In this incident, Waltz, along with other high-ranking officials, had revealed plans for an attack on the Houthi militia in Yemen on the online service, inviting a journalist into the chat group by mistake [1].
Trump insists that Loomer's role in the reported dismissals from the security council was minimal [2]. He stated that Loomer gives recommendations, some of which he sometimes takes into account, but the removal of personnel was not connected to her influence [2]. Trump's comments were made before reports about the dismissals at the NSA surfaced.
Trump remarked that his administration routinely lets go of people who don't align with his vision, are disloyal, or might be loyal to others [2]. He described Loomer as a "great patriot." Later, on X, Loomer emphasized that General Haugh, chosen by the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, was disloyal to Trump's cause [2]. Milley, a vocal critic of Trump, has retired and his protection by state security personnel was withdrawn at the end of January by the new defense minister, Pete Hegseth [2].
General Haugh, who had been leading the NSA for less than two years, was also in charge of the Cyber Command within the Pentagon [1]. The vice chief of the Cyber Command, William Hartman, was appointed as his acting successor, and Sheila Thomas, already a high-ranking official in the intelligence agency, was designated as the interim NSA deputy chief [1].
The NSA, a subordinate of the US Department of Defense, is the United States' largest foreign intelligence agency, focusing on the surveillance and decryption of electronic communication [1].
The opposition Democrats have criticized the alleged dismissals at the top of the NSA, with Senator Mark Warner calling it "remarkable" that Trump fired the "bipartisan, experienced" NSA director, while maintaining those members of his government team who might have leaked confidential information [1]. Warner also noted his concern about Trump seemingly taking instructions on national security staffing from a discredited conspiracy theorist in the Oval Office [1].
Often referred to as "Trump's whisperer" [1], Loomer has been a frequent traveler on Trump's private plane during the election campaign [1]. She has made several controversial statements, such as implying that if Kamala Harris won, the White House would smell of curry [1], and spreading conspiracy theories, such as the belief that the 9/11 attacks were an "inside job" [1].
- NSA
- Donald Trump
- Laura Loomer
- Security Council
- U.S. Media
- U.S. President
- Mike Waltz
- Foreign Intelligence Service
- Chief
- Mark Milley
- Intelligence Service
- New York Times
- Yemen
[1] New York Times - "Six Members of Trump's National Security Council Dismissed After Meeting With Laura Loomer" (Link) [1] The Washington Post - "Exclusive: Pentagon cyber chief Timothy Haugh is out as NSA boss after less than two years" (Link) [2] Sky News - "Donald Trump fires top NSA officials 'for being disloyal'" (Link) [2] Twitter - Laura Loomer's Tweets (Link) [2] Editor's Note: This article draws upon relevant facts and insights from reliable sources to offer a concise yet accurate interpretation of the events discussed. Sources have been provided for verification and further reading.
- The US media reported the dismissal of General Timothy Haugh, the NSA's top official, and his deputy, Wendy Noble, with Laura Loomer, known for her controversial remarks, accusing them of being disloyal to President Trump.
- The ousted officials were not only from the NSA, as reports suggest that six members of the security council, including three high-ranking ones, were also relieved of their duties, with Loomer making similar accusations against them.
- Despite the bipartisan criticism over the alleged dismissals at the NSA, Mike Waltz, the National Security Council's chairman, managed to maintain his position, despite the infamous Signal affair.
