The director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was dismissed Friday, weeks after the agency prepared a preliminary bomb-damage assessment — later leaked to the media — that indicated U.S. strikes on Iran had delayed the country’s nuclear program by only a few months.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, who had led the DIA since February 2024, “will no longer serve as DIA director,” a senior defense official told The Post.
Deputy Director Christine Bordine is now listed as acting director on the agency’s official website.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly fired Kruse over a “a loss of confidence” in the lieutenant general, two congressional officials told the New York Times.
The DIA’s classified, “low confidence” assessment of the June 21 airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear sites was leaked to CNN three days after U.S. B-2 stealth bombers and cruise missiles targeted the facilities.An official said the assessment was based on limited intelligence collected the day after the strike. The document reportedly concluded that Iran could restore elements of its nuclear program within one to two months and that its stockpile of enriched uranium had not been destroyed in the airstrikes.
The leak drew sharp anger from President Donald Trump and other senior administration officials. In a Truth Social post, Trump described the leak as “AN ATTEMPT TO DEMEAN ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MILITARY STRIKES IN HISTORY.” He added in all caps: “THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED!”
Special envoy Steve Witkoff dismissed claims that the United States failed to achieve its military objectives in Iran, calling such suggestions “completely preposterous” during an interview on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle.
He also condemned the leak of the DIA assessment, describing it as “outrageous” and “treasonous,” and urged an investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible, the New York Post added.
Kruse’s dismissal marks the latest shake-up within the intelligence community under the Trump administration.
In April, former National Security Agency Director Timothy Haugh was removed from his post on the same day that at least three National Security Council staff members were also dismissed.
A Defense Department spokesman lashed out Wednesday at a Washington Post investigation into Secretary Pete Hegseth’s security detail, accusing the newspaper of endangering the Cabinet member and his family.
“WaPo intentionally published sensitive details of @SecDef’s security detail for him and his family – putting their safety at risk,” Joel Valdez, the acting deputy press secretary for the Department of Defense, said on X. “There should be severe punishment for what @TaraCopp, @DanLamothe, and @AlexHortonTX are doing.”
The Post story, headlined “Hegseth’s expansive security requirements tax Army protective unit,” was published Wednesday morning and was allegedly based on more than a dozen interviews. Reporters Tara Copp, Alex Horton, and Dan Lamothe detailed how Hegseth’s “unusually large” protective demands are straining the Army agency charged with safeguarding him, forcing agents to be pulled from criminal cases to cover his residences in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.
“I’ve never seen this many security teams for one guy. Nobody has,” one Pentagon source said, according to the paper.
The story drew sharp criticism from Hegseth’s chief spokesperson, Sean Parnell, who said the report ignored the volatile threat environment.
“In the wake of two assassination attempts against President Trump, ICE agents facing a 1000% increase in assaults, and repeated threats of retaliation from Iran for striking their nuclear capabilities, it’s astonishing that the Washington Post is criticizing a high-ranking Cabinet official for receiving appropriate security protection, especially after doxxing the DHS Secretary last week,” Parnell said.
“Any action pertaining to the security of Secretary Hegseth and his family has been in response to the threat environment and at the full recommendation of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID),” he added.
Republican Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL)
He argued that the bill is designed to protect American taxpayers and prevent the federal budget from being “drained” by those who do not contribute to the system.
Supporters of the proposal see it as
A Day of Joy Turned Tragic: Remembering Comedian Tony Knight
No one expected a day filled with music, laughter, and celebration to end in heartbreak.
Yet beneath the vibrant atmosphere of the Rock & Cars festival in Lavaur, France, tragedy struck—a massive tree limb suddenly crashed down without warning. What began as a joyful gathering now leaves many questioning: was it a freak accident, or something more?
Tony Knight, 54, a beloved comedian, met a devastating end last month during the festival. As the huge tree branch broke and fell into the crowd, Tony was among those struck.
Though several people were injured, Tony was the sole fatality, leaving fans and loved ones worldwide in profound grief.
Known for his infectious humor, charisma, and uplifting spirit, Tony’s passing has left an irreplaceable void. His partner of nearly 15 years, Hayley Wright, along with family and friends, are devastated by the loss. To assist with funeral and medical expenses, Hayley has launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over $8,000.
Beyond his stand-up career—Tony was preparing for a UK tour—he was also a passionate advocate for animals. A “dog listener” by nature, he dedicated his time to helping people better understand and communicate with their pets. Plans were underway for dog-training workshops across Europe, reflecting his deep compassion and unique gift.
Originally from England, Tony had been living in Australia and, for the past four years, shared a life with Hayley on her family’s farm in Beaufort. Tributes continue to pour in online, as friends and fans remember the laughter, joy, and kindness he brought into their lives. Reports suggest Hayley may honor Tony’s memory by scattering his ashes in France—the place where his life tragically ended.
Conclusion
Tony Knight’s sudden passing is a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. In a single moment, a man dedicated to spreading joy, laughter, and compassion was taken from us.
Though his time was cut short, his legacy lives on in the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the unique ways he helped people connect with their dogs. As tributes continue to flow, one thing is clear: Tony will forever be remembered for the laughter, love, and light he shared with the world.