CIA Plans to Cut 1,200 Jobs Through Attrition

The Trump administration plans to reduce the CIA workforce by about 1,200 positions over the next few years as part of a broader effort to downsize the federal government and reshape U.S. intelligence agencies. These reductions will primarily be achieved through attrition, such as retirements and resignations, rather than mass firings, although some recently hired employees and officers working on diversity issues have already been let go. The CIA has joined a voluntary redundancy program initiated by the administration, and similar staff reductions are expected across other intelligence agencies. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that these moves are intended to align the workforce with national security priorities and to provide opportunities for emerging leaders. Officials emphasize that the strategy aims to increase efficiency and ensure the agency remains focused on its core intelligence-gathering mission. The reduction plan reflects an ongoing trend under the Trump administration to cut jobs across multiple federal departments.