Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington DC, Apr 4: In a significant shakeup within the United States' intelligence and cybersecurity landscape, General Timothy Haugh, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Chief of US Cyber Command, has been removed from his post, according to a report by the Washington Post.

Haugh, who assumed the dual role of NSA Director and Cyber Command Chief in February 2024, was reportedly dismissed along with his civilian deputy at the NSA, Wendy Noble. Noble held the position of the agency’s senior civilian leader.

The removal of Haugh and Noble has raised concerns and prompted criticism from various quarters. Congressman Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, expressed his disappointment over the decision.

"I am deeply disturbed by the decision to remove General Haugh as Director of the National Security Agency. I have known General Haugh to be an honest and forthright leader who followed the law and put national security first—I fear those are precisely the qualities that could lead to his firing in this Administration," Himes stated.

Himes further emphasized the need for transparency, stating, "The Intelligence Committee and the American people need an immediate explanation for this decision, which makes all of us less safe."

The sudden removal of the NSA’s top leadership has led to speculations and concerns regarding the future direction of US intelligence and cybersecurity policies.