The Central Intelligence Agency is moving to dismiss an undisclosed number of junior officers as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive cost-cutting campaign.
On Thursday, the agency confirmed that the CIA has begun terminating some of its probationary employees with less than two years of experience. So far, no details have been shared about the number of employees impacted by the headcount reduction. However, not all recent hires are expected to be let go as part of the cull.
“At CIA, we are reviewing personnel within their first two years of service at the agency. For some personnel, that process will result in termination. Our officers face unique pressures from working in situations that are fast-paced and high-stakes — it’s not for everyone,” a spokesperson for the agency told Nextgov/FCW.
The announcement continues the current administration’s efforts to reduce federal government spending substantially. During Trump’s first month in office, the administration reportedly saved American taxpayers $55 billion, according to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk.
The latest news from the CIA comes after a judge allowed CIA Director John Ratcliffe to offer staff the opportunity to participate in a buyout program. The decision was made after a lawsuit in the Eastern District of Virginia challenged the CIA director’s powers.
Judge Anthony J. Trenga delivered his decision in the lawsuit filed by CIA officers who worked in the agency’s diversity and recruitment initiatives under the Biden administration. The employees were released from the CIA following Trump’s dismantling of DEI programs.
Trenga ruled that Ratcliffe, as director of the agency, has the authority to fire any officer for any reason. Trenga also revoked the right of terminated employees to appeal any removals.
There is no word yet as to whether other intelligence agencies will see similar headcount reductions.