CIA
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has extended buyout offers to its entire workforce in an effort to align the agency’s operations with the national security priorities of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The decision is part of a broader restructuring within the agency following the appointment of CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
A spokesperson for the CIA confirmed the development in a statement, emphasizing that the move is intended to bring the agency in line with the administration’s strategic goals. “Director Ratcliffe is moving swiftly to ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the Administration’s national security priorities. These moves are part of a holistic strategy to infuse the Agency with renewed energy,” the spokesperson said.
The CIA, which traditionally keeps its budget and employee count classified, did not immediately respond to requests for further clarification regarding the buyout plan. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the buyout offers.
This initiative is consistent with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to overhaul the U.S. government by reducing the size of the federal workforce and appointing individuals aligned with its policy objectives.
The administration has already dismissed or sidelined hundreds of civil servants in an attempt to streamline the government and ensure that federal agencies are staffed with personnel who support its agenda.
Last week, the White House announced a separate initiative, offering voluntary buyouts to approximately 2 million full-time federal employees.
Under this plan, eligible workers were given the option to leave their positions while continuing to receive pay and benefits through September 30. The administration views this as a crucial step in downsizing the federal bureaucracy and increasing efficiency within government institutions.
However, not everyone has welcomed these measures. On Tuesday, unions representing U.S. government employees filed a lawsuit to block the federal buyout program, arguing that the plan could undermine the effectiveness of public services and disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of workers.
John Ratcliffe, who previously served as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) during Trump’s first term, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new CIA director shortly after Trump assumed office for his second term.
His appointment signaled a shift in leadership at the agency, and the latest buyout initiative is widely seen as part of his broader efforts to reshape the CIA in accordance with the administration’s vision for national security.
The restructuring efforts at the CIA and other federal agencies are expected to face legal and political challenges, particularly from career government employees and advocacy groups who fear that the changes could compromise institutional stability and the independence of intelligence operations.
Nonetheless, the Trump administration appears determined to move forward with its plans to reorganize key government agencies, including the CIA, in a way that aligns with its long-term objectives.
