Cuts to be spread over several years and will mainly be achieved through reduced hiring rather than layoffs.
The administration of United States President Donald Trump plans to significantly cut personnel at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other key US intelligence agencies, according to The Washington Post, as part of his efforts to shrink the size of major government agencies.
The CIA intends to reduce its workforce by 1,200 positions, with additional cuts spread across other parts of the US intelligence community.
Congress members have been informed about the planned cuts, which will unfold over several years, partly by limiting new hires rather than executing layoffs, as per the report.
A CIA spokesperson, when asked about these plans, did not confirm the specifics but stated that the CIA director, John Ratcliffe, is taking swift action to ensure the CIA’s staff are aligned with the administration’s national security priorities.
“These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to invigorate the agency, pave the way for emerging leaders, and enhance the CIA’s ability to fulfill its mission,” the spokesperson added.
Ratcliffe, a Trump appointee who became CIA director in January, informed lawmakers that under his leadership, the agency will “provide insightful, objective analysis, never letting political or personal preferences cloud our judgment or influence our output.”
“We will gather intelligence, particularly human intelligence, in every corner of the world, regardless of its complexity or adversity,” he stated. “We’ll also conduct covert operations directed by the president, venturing into uncharted territory and performing actions that no one else can.”
Addressing CIA officers, he said: “If this is what you enlisted for, prepare to make a difference. If it doesn’t resonate with you, consider finding alternative employment.”
In March, the CIA announced it would terminate an unspecified number of junior officers as part of the government’s downsizing policy.
According to an agency spokesperson, officers with behavioral issues or who are deemed unsuitable for intelligence work will be let go, acknowledging that not everyone can cope with the demands of the job.
In February, the CIA also offered buyouts to some employees. It’s unclear how many employees accepted the offer.
The CIA intends to reduce its workforce by 1,200 positions, with additional cuts spread across other parts of the US intelligence community.
Congress members have been informed about the planned cuts, which will unfold over several years, partly by limiting new hires rather than executing layoffs, as per the report.
A CIA spokesperson, when asked about these plans, did not confirm the specifics but stated that the CIA director, John Ratcliffe, is taking swift action to ensure the CIA’s staff are aligned with the administration’s national security priorities.
“These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to invigorate the agency, pave the way for emerging leaders, and enhance the CIA’s ability to fulfill its mission,” the spokesperson added.
Ratcliffe, a Trump appointee who became CIA director in January, informed lawmakers that under his leadership, the agency will “provide insightful, objective analysis, never letting political or personal preferences cloud our judgment or influence our output.”
“We will gather intelligence, particularly human intelligence, in every corner of the world, regardless of its complexity or adversity,” he stated. “We’ll also conduct covert operations directed by the president, venturing into uncharted territory and performing actions that no one else can.”
Addressing CIA officers, he said: “If this is what you enlisted for, prepare to make a difference. If it doesn’t resonate with you, consider finding alternative employment.”
In March, the CIA announced it would terminate an unspecified number of junior officers as part of the government’s downsizing policy.
According to an agency spokesperson, officers with behavioral issues or who are deemed unsuitable for intelligence work will be let go, acknowledging that not everyone can cope with the demands of the job.
In February, the CIA also offered buyouts to some employees. It’s unclear how many employees accepted the offer.
