#China produces ~90% of the world's refined #RareEarths, a group of 17 elements used across the #defense, #EV, #CleanEnergy & #electronics industries. The #UnitedStates imports most of its rare earths, & most come from China.

But #Russia isn’t the only threat to #democracy in #Europe. #FarRight & autocratic parties here have gained ground for a decade. They’re already part of the govt in 6 capitals. And the impulse to ramp up #defense may energize their voters.

Europe is rearming to battle #fascism & #autocracy abroad. Unfortunately, this may also empower fascism & autocracy at home.

…Gen Haugh was informed of the decision while traveling. Current & fmr ofcls said Gen Haugh’s deputy at the #NSA, Wendy Noble, was also removed from her post, & possibly reassigned to another position at the #Pentagon.

…#Defense Secy #PeteHegseth & #Trump have removed several top officers from their posts including the chair of the #JointChiefs of Staff…; the chief of naval operations [#Navy #CNO]…; & the commandant of the #CoastGuard….

Gen Haugh was also seen by the #Trump admin as moving too slowly on its mandate to eliminate #DEI programs.

Rep Himes, the top Democrat on the #House #Intelligence Cmte, said the public was owed an explanation.

“I have known General Haugh to be an honest & forthright leader who followed the #law & put #NationalSecurity first—I fear those are precisely the qualities that could lead to his firing in this administration,” Himes said.

A spox for #USCyberCom said she could not confirm Gen Haugh’s removal, & referred questions to the #Pentagon, which did not respond for comment. A White House spox did not confirm the ouster.

But a #US official briefed on the matter said #LauraLoomer, a #FarRight activist & outside adviser to #Trump, called for Gen Haugh’s removal during her Oval Office meeting on Thurs. Trump ordered #Defense Secy #PeteHegseth to fire Gen Haugh, the ofcl said.

The review also will “review compliance with classification & records retention requirements,” Stebbins wrote. He requested that the #Defense Dept designate 2 points of contact within 5 days, with work done both in Washington & at the headquarters of US Central Command in Tampa, Florida.

Steven Stebbins, the #Pentagon’s acting #IG, said in a memo to #SecDef #PeteHegseth & Dpty #DOD Secy Steve Feinberg that the review will “determine the extent to which the Secretary of #Defense & other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies & procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business.”