Former Central Intelligence Agency director William J. Burns has publicly condemned the Trump administration’s recent dismissal of scores of federal employees, calling the move “a war on public service and expertise” that risks weakening U.S. national security. In an open letter published by The Atlantic on 20 August, Burns said the administration was carrying out a campaign of retribution rather than genuine reform, citing the July reduction-in-force that forced State Department, intelligence and other civil-service personnel to clear their offices within hours. Burns, who served under six presidents and led the CIA during Joe Biden’s term, argued that sidelining experienced officials stifles dissenting views and leaves policy makers vulnerable to strategic missteps. Drawing a parallel with President Vladimir Putin’s insulated decision-making before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he warned that hollowing out U.S. institutions could erode democratic safeguards and America’s ability to compete globally. The White House has not responded to requests for comment.