CISA Staff Brace for Potential Cuts Amid Political Uncertainty
Plans to reduce the workforce of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) by up to a third have stirred deep concern among agency personnel and leadership. This reduction, however, may now face complications as a Democratic senator has blocked the nomination of Sean Plankey, President Trump’s choice to head the agency.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon announced in April that he intends to obstruct Plankey’s nomination due to CISA’s non-disclosure of an unclassified report highlighting vulnerabilities in U.S. telecommunications infrastructure. The situation has heightened apprehension among staff, as reductions in the federal workforce appear focused on critical cybersecurity teams, which many experts fear could compromise the agency’s ability to protect essential federal networks and infrastructure.
Acting Director Bridget Bean has communicated to staff that senior officials wish to allow the new agency leader the necessary time and authority to review restructuring proposals. She expressed understanding of the anxiety among employees, noting that preserving decision-making latitude for incoming leadership is of utmost importance.
Despite these assurances, a CISA official—who spoke under conditions of anonymity—confirmed that there is currently no finalized timetable for implementing the looming workforce reductions. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for CISA declined to provide any commentary regarding internal communications.
Amid ongoing discussions of downsizing and operational shifts inspired by White House directives, several CISA employees have indicated their consideration of alternate employment in the private sector or exploring agency buyouts. Following this trend, multiple high-ranking advisers have already departed, including key figures from the Secure by Design initiative, which seeks to integrate security earlier in product development processes.
During a recent staff assembly, CISA officials reiterated an imminent policy change set for May 5 that mandates in-person work for employees residing within a 50-mile radius of agency offices, with expectations of overcrowded conditions necessitating the use of conference rooms and operational spaces.
Sean Plankey’s nomination came in March, succeeding the appointment of Karen Evans, previously the Chief Information Officer at the Department of Homeland Security, to serve as CISA’s assistant director for cybersecurity—a position she has now been nominated to expand further as undersecretary for management.
Confirmation from Senator Wyden’s office reveals that the hold on Plankey’s nomination remains intact. The White House has not provided any commentary regarding the ongoing situation.
In a related speech, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem voiced criticism of CISA’s previous direction, framing its recent cuts as beneficial, claiming they have saved taxpayers $10 million. This development emphasizes shifting priorities within the federal cybersecurity landscape, resurrecting discussions around the effectiveness and direction of CISA in safeguarding crucial infrastructure.
