The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) employees have been presented with deferred resignation offers as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the federal government. Initially excluded from this initiative due to their critical role in national security and infrastructure defense, some CISA staffers were recently given a limited time to decide on the offer. The program, known as the “Fork in the Road,” allows employees to make a personal decision regarding their future with support from CISA leadership.

The broader context of this move is the Trump administration’s overarching goal to reduce the size of the federal government. This initiative has led to the emergence of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, which has been integrating into various federal agencies, raising concerns among cybersecurity experts about potential security risks.

CISA, established in 2018 during the first Trump administration, has played a crucial role in cybersecurity and infrastructure protection, particularly in responding to espionage threats like the “Salt Typhoon” campaign. Despite previous uncertainties, the agency is now facing potential staff reductions, echoing similar challenges across other government agencies like the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the CIA, and the NSA.

As the administration implements changes across different agencies, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) is also experiencing disruptions, with overseas staff being recalled and significant impacts on operations. The evolving landscape of federal agencies under the Trump administration underscores the uncertainty faced by cybersecurity experts and other key personnel tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and national security.