CISA Divisions Face Layoffs Amid Budget Cuts and Political Scrutiny
WASHINGTON – Multiple divisions within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) were targeted in layoffs Friday, according to individuals with knowledge of the matter, as the agency navigates a proposed budget reduction and ongoing political debate over its mission. The cuts come as CISA faces a potential 10% staff reduction-approximately 1,000 positions-outlined in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) budget justification documents released in May.
The layoffs impact areas including the Chemical Security office, where many staff had already accepted deferred resignation program (DRP) offers earlier this year. DRPs, offered to federal employees since January, allow for early retirement with continued pay for a set period. While the exact number of cybersecurity staff terminated Friday remains unclear, a recent court filing indicates 176 DHS employees were cut, with the possibility of further reductions across the federal government.
CISA, designated as the nation’s core civilian cyberdefense agency, has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. Though, the agency has recently become a focal point of political contention stemming from its efforts to combat misinformation. Accusations from some Republicans allege CISA engaged in censorship of free speech, originating from its past collaboration with social media platforms to address false information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, elections, and other sensitive topics around 2020.
These accusations have led to calls to ”refocus” CISA’s mission, notably from officials within the Trump administration. The proposed budget cuts and subsequent layoffs signal a potential shift in the agency’s priorities and scope, raising concerns about its ability to effectively defend against evolving cyber threats.
