U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced sharp and stern criticism during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing over his highly controversial decision to fire Air Force General Timothy D. Haugh, head of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. Reports suggested a far-right social media influencer was behind the move to terminate the NSA Director in what some have called a “loyalty purge.”
Calling General Haugh’s dismissal “sudden and inexplicable” and “deeply concerning,” U.S. Senator Jackie Rosen (D-NV) told Secretary Hegseth it “raises significant questions about the decision-making process,” and “its potential consequences.”
“Public reports indicate that the removal of General Haugh, who has served his country proudly, has been influenced by social media influencer, an influencer— a personality on social media, Laura Loomer—spreads conspiracy theories. She’s been denounced even by Republicans,” Senator Rosen charged. “And the idea that any leaders within our agency responsible for out nation’s security—somebody would be dismissed based on the advice of a social media influencer is alarming to say the least. It’s surely not how we should be running our military.”
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Senator Rosen demanded to know if Hegseth was “consulted” regarding the dismissal of General Haugh.
“Well, Senator, I would not advise believing everything you read in the media,” was Secretary Hegseth’s response.
After a heated back-and-forth, Hegseth declared, “I’m the decision-maker for the department. And we all serve at the pleasure of the President, and we have the prerogative to make those decisions.”
Refusing to state specifically that he personally relieved general Haugh, Hegseth served up a more generic response.
“Anyone at that level who was relieved would be relieved by the Secretary of Defense,” he stated.
Hegseth also refused to respond when asked if there was a specific justification for General Haugh’s dismissal.
“Uh, Ma’am, we all serve at the pleasure of the President and the President deserves the type of Commanders and advisers that he thinks will best equip…to accomplish the mission.”
Hegseth also refused to say if he discussed dismissing Haugh with Laura Loomer.
“I don’t discuss who I talk about anything with, but ultimately, this is my decision, and he serves at the pleasure of the president, and that’s why he’s no longer there,” was the Secretary’s reply.
After another question, Hegseth told Senator Rosen, “Uh, I believe your time is up, Senator.”
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“Oh,” Rosen vehemently responded, “it is not up to you to tell me when my time is up.”
“Well, the time—” Hegseth continued.
“I am going to say, Mr. Secretary, you’re either feckless or complicit. You’re not in control of your department. You are unserious. It is shocking. You’re not combating antisemitism within your ranks. It’s a dangerous and pivotal time in our nation’s history,” Senator Ro9sen warned.
“And I don’t appreciate the smirk, sir. You are the Secretary of Defense.”
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