The United States Department of Defense has officially announced the dismissal of the head of the National Security Agency, igniting backlash over what is perceived as a purge of security officials. On Friday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a brief statement regarding the exit of four-star Air Force General Timothy Haugh from his role as director of the National Security Agency (NSA), a key agency in the nation’s intelligence apparatus. Haugh also oversaw the US Cyber Command, responsible for safeguarding against and preparing for digital threats. “The Defense Department expresses its gratitude to General Timothy Haugh for his years of dedicated service, culminating in his roles as the US Cyber Command commander and NSA director. We wish him and his family the best,” Parnell stated. However, various media outlets have reported that Haugh’s removal was prompted by far-right internet activist Laura Loomer, who has expressed support for President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign. Moreover, Democrats highlighted that Trump did not dismiss any individuals linked to the recent controversy involving the use of the messaging app Signal for discussing sensitive operations against Houthi targets in Yemen, which came to public attention after a journalist was unintentionally included in the conversation. “Gen. Haugh provided steady and effective leadership at the NSA and Cyber Command,” Arizona Senator Mark Kelly posted on social media on Friday. “By letting him go and not holding anyone accountable for the Signal threat to U.S. pilots, Trump has revealed he prioritizes loyalty over ability—putting all of us at greater risk.” Virginia Senator Mark Warner, another Democrat, reiterated this viewpoint, labeling the scenario as “so outrageous it defies belief.” “Trump did not dismiss those who jeopardized American lives in the Signalgate scandal,” Warner remarked, “yet he fired Gen. Haugh, a nonpartisan national security expert, influenced by a self-identified ‘pro-white nationalist’.” Haugh’s dismissal was part of a broader wave of firings that followed Trump’s meeting with Loomer at the White House. Reports indicate that Haugh’s civilian deputy at the NSA, Wendy Noble, was also removed from her position and reassigned. Additionally, several members of the National Security Council appear to have been ousted, including Brian Walsh, a senior director of intelligence, and Thomas Boodry, the senior director of legislative affairs. According to Reuters, more than a dozen security officials may have been dismissed amid this alleged purge. As he traveled to South Florida for a golf tournament on Thursday, Trump addressed the rumors, acknowledging that “some” individuals were let go, but did not provide specific numbers. “We’re always going to let go of people—those we don’t favor, those we believe can’t fulfill their roles, or those who may have allegiances elsewhere,” Trump explained from Air Force One. He also spoke about his meeting with Loomer, expressing admiration for her as an individual. “Laura Loomer is a very good patriot,” he stated. “She’s a strong personality, and I met with her briefly yesterday. She makes suggestions.” When asked to elaborate, he admitted that Loomer not only recommends individuals for hiring but for firing as well. However, he dismissed claims that Loomer was involved in a security purge. Loomer herself weighed in on Haugh’s termination, accusing the general of lacking sufficient loyalty to the Trump administration, and characterized him as an ally of former President Joe Biden, who defeated Trump in the 2020 election. “NSA Director Tim Haugh and his deputy Wendy Noble have shown disloyalty to President Trump. That’s why they were terminated,” she asserted. “Their removals are a boon for the American people. Thank you, President Trump, for being open to the vetting information provided to you and for dismissing these Biden holdovers.” Loomer has long generated controversy on the U.S. right. She has identified herself as a “proud Islamophobe” and has propagated the debunked conspiracy theory claiming that the September 11, 2001 attacks were an “inside job.” Her close association with the president has raised concerns within Trump’s administration and has become a focal point for Democratic criticism. Jim Himes, the leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, called for an “immediate explanation” regarding Haugh’s firing, contending it compromises “the safety of us all.” “I have always known General Haugh to be an honest and straightforward leader who adhered to the law and prioritized national security,” Himes wrote. “I fear those very traits could lead to his dismissal in this Administration.”