Feb 25, 08:48 AM

CIA Reviews Risks of Layoffs, DOGE's Treasury Access Raises Security Concerns

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is conducting a review to assess risks associated with mass layoffs and buyouts under the Trump administration's government-cutting initiatives. Concerns have emerged that financially vulnerable or disgruntled former employees could be recruited by foreign intelligence agencies, such as those of China or Russia, to share sensitive information. The review follows an unclassified email sent to the White House identifying CIA officers slated for potential layoffs, including those preparing for covert deployments. This has raised concerns about the exposure of undercover agents and sensitive intelligence operations. The email was reportedly sent in compliance with an executive order to downsize the federal workforce. Additionally, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been linked to the situation. A 25-year-old DOGE engineer was granted access to the Treasury's payment system, which processes intelligence community payments, raising further security concerns. Joseph Gioeli, a senior Treasury official, detailed measures implemented to mitigate risks, including cybersecurity monitoring and restrictions on data access.