WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, President Trump dismissed General Timothy Haugh, the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency, without explanation. Press reports indicate that Laura Loomer, a fringe conspiracy theorist, convinced the President to dismiss General Haugh and fire a slew of expert staff on his National Security Council. The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed General Haugh to his post in December 2023.

Senator Reed issued the following statement in response:

“I am alarmed and angered that, at the insistence of a far-right conspiracy theorist, President Trump dismissed one of the most skilled, accomplished officers in the U.S. military. As the commander of Cyber Command, General Haugh led the most formidable cyber warfighting force in the world and kept our enemies up at night. President Trump has given a priceless gift to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea by purging competence from our national security leadership.

“I have long warned about the dangers of firing military officers as a political loyalty test. In addition to the other military leaders and national security officials Trump has fired, he is sending a chilling message throughout the ranks: don’t give your best military advice, or you may face consequences. The President must immediately explain himself to the American people.”