Since the beginning of his second term, President Donald Trump has directed substantial reductions to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), despite his expressed concerns about U.S. election security. These cuts have notably affected the agency’s critical election work.
During a speech on Thursday, President Trump did not acknowledge the reductions. Instead, he emphasized commitment to safeguarding sensitive voter data and preventing its misuse, promising swift action to address these issues.
CISA was established during Trump’s first term and became a crucial federal collaborator for states on election security since the 2016 election. The agency was responsible for sharing cybersecurity practices and intelligence regarding foreign threats to elections. However, by late in his first term, Trump’s attitude towards CISA and federal election security changed. He dismissed its director, Christopher Krebs, who had authenticated the integrity of the 2020 election.
Since Trump’s return to presidency, CISA’s workforce has decreased by about one-third, from 3,400 employees in January 2025. In a significant move last February, the administration placed over a dozen CISA election security personnel on leave, leading to a chilling atmosphere within the division that consisted of approximately 100 members. Under Trump’s administration, CISA has lacked a Senate-confirmed leader.
Other federal entities, including the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, have also reduced their election security operations. Tulsi Gabbard oversaw the dismantling of the Foreign Malign Influence Center, which was tasked with monitoring foreign election threats.
Additionally, President Trump dismissed the last three members of the Election Assistance Commission this month. This independent bipartisan commission aids states in managing elections, focusing heavily on cybersecurity support. The removal of these members further impairs its mission.
Reporter Dustin Volz covers cybersecurity and intelligence for The Times and resides in Washington.
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