Trump slashes cybersecurity budget, fires 1,000 cyber defenders

Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, slashed CISA's workforce from 3,700 to 2,200 employees—a 40% cut to America's lead cyber defense agency.

The administration proposed cutting CISA's budget by $491 million (17%), but Congress softened the cut to $135 million (4.6% to $2.7 billion) after bipartisan pushback.

CISA's Cybersecurity Division, which monitors federal networks for intrusions, lost 200-300 employees—from 1,100 down to 800-850 people.

The proposed budget eliminates CISA's entire Election Security Program (14 positions, $39.6 million), leaving state voting systems vulnerable during the 2026 midterms.

Nearly all of CISA's senior leadership resigned within five months of Trump taking office, including Director Jen Easterly (left Jan 20, 2025).

DOGE fired approximately 130 probationary employees at CISA, including 'red team' cybersecurity experts hired to defend against emerging threats.

National security experts warned the cuts 'harm national security on a daily basis' by creating openings for Russia, China, and ransomware gangs to attack critical infrastructure.

About 774 CISA employees accepted voluntary buyout offers ($25,000 lump sum or severance pay), accelerating the brain drain of cybersecurity expertise.