Trump's Personnel Cuts Cripple US Cyber Agency - AI News Today Recency

# Trump's Personnel Cuts Cripple US Cyber Agency

In a dramatic overhaul under President Donald Trump's second administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has lost over one-third of its workforce, slashing staffing from approximately 3,400 to 2,400 employees through layoffs, buyouts, and transfers, leaving the nation's primary defender against cyber threats severely understaffed and demoralized[1][2][3].

Massive Workforce Reductions Hit CISA Hard

CISA, tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure, election systems, and federal networks from escalating cyber threats, entered fiscal year 2025 with around 3,400 employees but saw numbers plummet to 2,400 by December 2025—a 29% drop driven by Trump administration-led layoffs, voluntary buyouts, early retirements, and forced reassignments to other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) units[1][3]. An internal agency report reveals at least 998 employees quit, were laid off, or transferred since Trump took office in 2025, including 65 forced reassignments amid a broader immigration crackdown[2][3]. Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala defended the cuts during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, arguing for a "more capable and skilled" workforce over sheer size, while claiming the agency assisted over 4,000 cyberattack victims in 2025[3].

Key Programs Eliminated Amid Budget Slashes

The personnel purge has dismantled core CISA programs, including the Election Security Program, Cyber Defense Education and Training, counter-ransomware initiatives, and secure software development efforts, with over $84 million in reductions[1][2][4]. Funding for two information sharing and analysis centers (ISACs)—the Election Infrastructure-ISAC (EI-ISAC) and Multi-State ISAC (MS-ISAC)—was cut, forcing elections organizations to seek local counsel for non-federally funded services[4][6]. Divisions coordinating with states, businesses, foreign allies, and critical infrastructure stakeholders have been shuttered or scaled back, eroding partnerships and leaving private sector partners with unanswered requests for help[1][4]. Critics, including bipartisan lawmakers and industry leaders, warn these moves have "decimated" capabilities, especially as nation-state actors and ransomware groups intensify attacks[2][4].

Leadership Vacuum and Morale Crisis Fuels Concerns

Operating without a Senate-confirmed director for nearly a year, CISA faces a deeply demoralized workforce and leadership struggles under Acting Director Gottumukkala, whom some sources blame for security lapses[1][2][4]. A partial federal government shutdown since February 14, 2026, has further strained operations, dropping staffing to 38% capacity amid funding disputes over immigration enforcement[2]. Former officials like Caitlin Durkovich describe "broken relationships" and overstretched teams unable to handle major crises, with flagship efforts like secure-by-design and Cyber Incident Reporting compliance suffering[4]. Bipartisan consensus across Congress and industry highlights fears that CISA is unprepared for cybersecurity emergencies[2][4].

Congressional Pushback and Signs of Stabilization

Congress responded in early 2026 with a DHS "minibus" appropriations bill that, despite overall CISA budget cuts of up to $500 million proposed by the Trump administration, allocated $20 million to rehire staff in critical areas like Threat Hunting, Vulnerability Management, and Security Programs[5]. This bipartisan move signals alarm over excessive reductions risking the agency's mission, even as the administration insists on refocusing from perceived "political overreach" in election security and disinformation[5]. CISA maintains it remains committed to protecting networks despite challenges, prioritizing "highly skilled technical professionals" and industry partnerships[3][4].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CISA and what does it do? CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is the U.S. federal agency responsible for defending critical infrastructure, election systems, and government networks against cyberattacks, sharing threat intelligence, and coordinating responses[1][2][3].

How many employees has CISA lost under Trump? CISA's workforce dropped from about 3,400 to 2,400—a loss of nearly 1,000 or over 29-33%—through layoffs, buyouts, quits, and transfers since the start of Trump's second term in 2025[1][2][3][4].

Which CISA programs were cut or eliminated? Key cuts include the Election Security Program, counter-ransomware efforts, Cyber Defense Education and Training, secure software development, and funding for EI-ISAC and MS-ISAC, totaling over $84 million in reductions[1][2][4][6].

Why is CISA without a permanent director? CISA has lacked a Senate-confirmed director since Trump took office in 2025, with Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala facing criticism for leadership amid the turmoil[1][2][3].

How has Congress responded to CISA's cuts? Early 2026 appropriations provided $20 million to rehire staff in mission-critical areas like Threat Hunting and Vulnerability Management, despite broader budget reductions[5].

Are there real-world impacts from these personnel cuts? Experts report broken private sector partnerships, unanswered help requests, demoralized staff, and diminished capacity to handle crises, raising concerns over cyber preparedness[2][4].