The White House is aiming to decrease staffing levels at the CIA and other intelligence bodies, such as the National Security Agency, according to what Trump administration representatives communicated to Congress, as reported by The Washington Post on Friday.
A person familiar with the plan but not authorized to discuss it publicly confirmed the changes to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The administration intends to scale back the CIA workforce by 1,200 employees over a number of years and plans to reduce thousands of positions at the NSA and additional intelligence agencies.
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.
Addressing inquiries regarding these staffing cuts, the CIA released a statement mentioning that CIA Director John Ratcliffe is making efforts to ensure the agency aligns with 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.
