Earthquake Inside the CIA: Trump Initiates Layoffs of Intelligence Staff
The United States has begun implementing government-mandated cuts at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), ordered by the administration of President Donald Trump. These layoffs have led to a noticeable decline in performance among several agency employees.
According to informed sources cited by CNN, some staff members appointed over the past two years were summoned to a remote location away from the CIA’s headquarters in Langley, Virginia. There, they were asked to surrender their identification cards to security personnel. The layoffs primarily target recently hired officers, often referred to as “probationary employees.”
Performance Decline Amid Layoffs
CNN reports that some young officers working at Langley hesitate to answer their phones, fearing a call from the security department instructing them to report to an off-site location. The layoffs have significantly impacted morale, resulting in a productivity drop this week, according to sources familiar with the situation.
A CIA spokesperson confirmed that some officers hired within the last two years have been let go, While the exact number of affected employees remains unclear, insiders suggest that not all recently appointed staff will necessarily face termination, The spokesperson explained that the CIA is reviewing the performance of employees who joined over the past two years, focusing on how new hires handle fast-paced and high-stakes situations, Other officials noted that the layoffs are performance-based.
However, sources indicate fewer dismissals in critical areas such as intelligence-gathering on China and efforts to combat Mexican drug trafficking.
Federal Ruling Enables Layoffs
The layoffs follow a recent ruling by a federal judge granting CIA Director John Ratcliffe the authority to
freely terminate employees. Judge Anthony J. Trenga of the Eastern Virginia District Court issued the
decision in a case brought by officers involved in diversity and recruitment efforts under former
President Joe Biden’s administration. The ruling states that Ratcliffe can dismiss any agency officer for
any reason without appeal rights.
Following a review of the ruling, the CIA’s Office of General Counsel permitted Ratcliffe to proceed with
downsizing efforts. However, Kevin Carroll, an attorney representing previously terminated employees,
noted that Judge Trenga strongly recommended allowing dismissed staff to appeal their terminations.
Officially, CIA officers undergo a four-year probationary period. Currently, the Office of Personnel
Management is prioritizing reductions among recently hired staff.
