US Defense Intelligence Agency chief Jeffrey Kruse has been fired after contradicting Donald Trump’s claims on Iran nuclear strikes. The dismissal underscores growing political interference in US military intelligence.
Trump Administration Fires DIA Director
The United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse, the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), alongside two senior Navy officials. The decision follows tensions over an intelligence report that contradicted President Donald Trump’s claims regarding the June strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
According to US officials who spoke to Reuters and the Associated Press, Kruse’s removal is part of a wider purge at the Pentagon, raising concerns over political interference in the military chain of command.
Report on Iran Sparks White House Anger
At the center of the dispute lies the DIA’s preliminary assessment of the US strikes against Iran. While Trump publicly declared that the attacks had “totally destroyed” the sites, intelligence analysts concluded that the impact was limited and that some facilities could be restored quickly.
The findings, leaked to the press, directly undermined the president’s narrative. Trump reportedly expressed fury, accusing the agency of “downplaying America’s strength.” The contradiction placed Kruse in the president’s crosshairs, with officials privately acknowledging the firing was politically motivated.
Senior Navy Officials Also Dismissed
Alongside Kruse, Vice Admiral Nancy Lacore, head of the Navy Reserve, and Rear Admiral Milton Sands, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, were also fired. Both departures, announced late Friday, lacked public explanation.
Sources close to the Pentagon described the move as part of a broader “loyalty purge” within the military. Since Trump began his second term in January, he has dismissed several top officers, including General Charles “CQ” Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Political Reactions and Fallout
The firings triggered an immediate backlash in Washington. Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, condemned the move, saying:
“The firing of yet another senior national security official underscores the Trump administration’s dangerous habit of treating intelligence as a loyalty test rather than a safeguard for our country.”
Democrats argue the dismissals weaken the credibility of US intelligence agencies at a time of heightened global tensions. Republicans close to Trump defended the decision, claiming the president needs “unified messaging” on national security.
Kruse’s Career and Legacy
Before leading the DIA, Kruse served as adviser for military affairs to the Director of National Intelligence and previously worked as director of intelligence for the coalition against ISIS. His long career in intelligence was widely respected, with many colleagues praising his professional independence.
Analysts warn his ouster could have a chilling effect on intelligence officers who fear contradicting political leaders, potentially distorting future assessments of adversaries like Iran, Russia, and China.
Broader Implications
The dismissal of Kruse highlights the fragile balance between the military and civilian leadership under Trump’s second term. Critics argue that the politicization of intelligence undermines America’s ability to make credible security decisions.
As tensions with Iran remain volatile, and with US allies watching closely, the purge raises doubts about the objectivity of US defense assessments. For many in Washington, the question is no longer whether Trump will continue reshaping the Pentagon, but how far this restructuring of loyalty will go.
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