The White House is set to reduce staffing at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by 1,200 positions, with other intelligence agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) also expected to cut thousands of jobs. These changes, confirmed by a source familiar with the plan, will be implemented gradually over several years through reduced hiring rather than layoffs. The CIA has informed members of Congress about these planned cuts, which include early retirements and a shift in hiring practices.

In response to inquiries, the CIA stated that its director, John Ratcliffe, is working to realign the agency with President Donald Trump’s national security priorities. This strategic restructuring aims to bring new energy to the agency, foster emerging leaders, and enhance its ability to fulfill its mission effectively. Meanwhile, the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who oversees 18 intelligence agencies, did not immediately comment on the matter.

The Trump administration’s push for downsizing the federal workforce extends to intelligence agencies, with the CIA participating in a voluntary redundancy program initiated by the President. Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within intelligence agencies have been eliminated, although legal challenges have temporarily halted efforts to terminate employees involved in such programs.

Notably, the NSA has offered voluntary resignations to some employees, and there have been abrupt leadership changes, including the dismissal of NSA and Pentagon Cyber Command head, Tim Haugh. Director Ratcliffe has expressed intentions to revamp the CIA, with a specific focus on enhancing intelligence gathering from human sources and prioritizing intelligence efforts related to China.