Timothy Haugh - NSA Director and Commander, US Cyber Command

Also on 4 April 2025, along with Wendy Noble, Timothy Haugh, Director of the NSA and Commander of US Cyber Command, was removed. His ouster had an even greater impact because he was the head of the most important US electronic intelligence agency. Haugh had been appointed by Biden and had enjoyed wide technical esteem. The White House justified his removal on general grounds by talking about 'lack of alignment with the president's priorities'. Some radical Republicans had criticised his handling, accusing him of not having shown sufficient aggressiveness in the cyber war. Pressure also came from the activism of figures outside the administration, who demanded tougher leadership against China and Iran. Congress reacted with concern, demanding clarification of the motives and possible consequences for national security. The Pentagon had to prepare interim leadership, but internal tensions did not subside. Haugh, after his removal, made no official statement.