Trump administration to cut staffing at CIA, NSA and other intelligence agencies
Share and Follow

According to The Washington Post, the White House intends to decrease the number of employees at the CIA and various intelligence agencies, such as the National Security Agency. Members of Congress were briefed about these plans by officials from the Trump administration.

A person familiar with the plan but not authorized to discuss it publicly confirmed the changes to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Over the course of several years, the administration aims to downsize the CIA workforce by 1,200 individuals and eliminate numerous positions at the NSA and other intelligence entities.

The Washington Post reported that the reductions at the CIA include several hundred people who have already opted for early retirement.

The rest of the cuts would be achieved partly through reduced hirings and would not likely necessitate layoffs.

When asked about the staffing cuts, the CIA responded with a statement indicating that CIA Director John Ratcliffe is actively working to realign the agency to better reflect President Trump’s national security objectives.

“These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the Agency with renewed energy, provide opportunities for rising leaders to emerge, and better position CIA to deliver on its mission,” the agency wrote in the statement.

A spokesperson for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Gabbard’s office oversees and coordinates the work of 18 agencies that collect and analyze intelligence.

The CIA and NSA have already offered voluntary resignations to some employees.

The CIA also has said it plans to lay off an unknown number of recently hired employees.

The new administration has also eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion programs at intelligence agencies, though a judge has temporarily blocked efforts to fire 19 employees working on DEI programs who challenged their terminations.

Trump also abruptly fired the general who led the NSA and the Pentagon’s Cyber Command.

Ratcliffe has vowed to overhaul the CIA and said he wants to boost the agency’s use of intelligence from human sources and its focus on China.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service Board of Directors, center right, listens during a meeting in Montgomery, Ala., Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)

Alabama Board Decides to Relocate Transgender-Themed Books from Public Library Youth Sections

The board responsible for overseeing Alabama’s public libraries has made a contentious…
FILE - Carnival Cruise Line

Stepbrother Emerges as Suspect in Carnival Cruise Passenger’s Death Investigation

A 16-year-old has been identified as a suspect in the death of…
Charge against Melodee Buzzard’s mom dismissed, ankle monitor removed as FBI hunts for missing 9-year-old

Charges Against Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Dropped; Ankle Monitor Removed Amid FBI Search for Missing 9-Year-Old

A woman from California, initially charged with using a box cutter in…
Texas father dies in accidental shooting on hunting trip, daughter says family is ‘heartbroken’

Tragic Hunting Trip Accident Claims Life of Texas Father, Leaves Family Devastated

A Texas family is grappling with the tragic and unexpected death of…
ICE deports MS-13 gang leader who tried to 'game our immigration system' under Biden administration, DHS says

ICE Successfully Deports Notorious MS-13 Leader Exploiting Immigration Loopholes Under Biden Administration

An alleged MS-13 gang leader from El Salvador, who attempted to exploit…
Kate Middleton, Jessie J share emotional hug over cancer journeys

Heartfelt Moment: Kate Middleton and Jessie J Unite Over Shared Cancer Journeys

Kate Middleton and Jessie J share a touching bond. During the Royal…
181 Jacksonville employees to be laid off as Kroger winds down Florida delivery operations

Kroger Announces Closure of Florida Delivery Services: 181 Jobs in Jacksonville Affected

According to recent WARN notifications from Kroger, the Jacksonville Fulfillment Center is…
Miss Universe: Fatima Bosch of Mexico crowned winner in glittering finale of scandal-hit pageant

Fatima Bosch of Mexico Triumphs as the New Miss Universe Amidst Controversy at Glamorous Pageant Finale

In a dramatic turn of events, Fátima Bosch from Mexico has been…