Acting U.S Director Of The National Counterterrorism Center Has Been Removed

The general view of the operations center of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) is seen during a tour by President George W. Bush at Liberty Crossing near Tysons Corner on June 10, 2005. © Reuters Photographer / Reuters

Washington Post: Acting counterterrorism center head fired, according to former U.S. officials

The acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center was removed Wednesday in what insiders fear is a purge by the Trump administration of career professionals at an organization set up after 9/11 to protect the nation from further attacks, according to two former U.S. officials.

Russell E. Travers, a highly regarded intelligence professional with more than 40 years of government service, told colleagues he was fired by acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell, said the former officials, who like others interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.

Travers, who took up the acting position last August, had been resistant to pressure to make personnel cuts at the center, which has been undergoing a review of its mission and effectiveness.

Also removed at the NCTC was Travers’s acting deputy, Peter W. Hall, who is returning to the National Security Agency, the former officials said.

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WNU Editor: There are conflicting reports on whether Russell E. Travers has been fired or retired. But what is true is that he is leaving.

More News On The Acting U.S Director Of The National Counterterrorism Center Being Dismissed

Counterterrorism chief and deputy leaving as Trump administration considers downsizing agency -- NBC
Counterterrorism Chief Exits as Top U.S. Intelligence Official Weighs Cuts -- The New York Times
Acting director of National Counterterrorism Center fired: report -- The Hill
Richard Grenell: Acting counterterrorism chief retiring, not fired -- Washington Examiner