Trump Administration Plans Major Downsizing Of CIA, Other US Intelligence Agencies

The Trump administration is moving forward with a significant downsizing of the United States intelligence workforce, targeting the central intelligence agency (CIA) and several other major spy agencies for staff reductions over the coming years, AP reported citing a Washington Post report.

US Congressional representatives have been informed that the CIA plans to cut around 1,200 positions, representing about 5 per cent of its workforce, through a combination of early retirements, voluntary resignations, and reduced future hiring, rather than large-scale layoffs.

“Director Ratcliffe is moving swiftly to ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the administration’s national security priorities,” the Independent quoted an agency spokesperson as saying.

“These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the agency with renewed energy, provide opportunities for rising leaders to emerge, and better position CIA to deliver on its mission,” the spokesperson added.

The shake-up comes at a time of heightened concern over foreign intelligence threats to US, particularly from China and Russia, and reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to streamline federal agencies in line with its strategic and budgetary objectives.

Trump also unexpectedly terminated the general who led the NSA and the Pentagon's Cyber Command.

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