Since President Trump’s return to the White House, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a key federal partner for states on election security, has seen a significant reduction in its workforce. Approximately one-third of its staff has left, with numbers dropping from 3,400 in January 2025.
During a recent speech, President Trump did not acknowledge these cuts. He expressed a commitment to safeguarding voter data from threats, emphasizing the need for strict protection against unauthorized access or theft.
CISA, established during Trump’s first term, has played a crucial role in sharing cybersecurity practices and intelligence related to elections since 2016. Initially supportive, President Trump later criticized the agency, especially after its then-director, Christopher Krebs, confirmed the 2020 election’s integrity. This led to Krebs’ dismissal.
The current administration has placed more than a dozen CISA election security staff on leave as part of an investigation, creating uncertainty among the remaining members. The agency currently operates without a Senate-confirmed leader.
Other federal agencies have also reduced efforts in election security. The FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, led by Tulsi Gabbard, have similarly downsized parts of their operation, including the Foreign Malign Influence Center.
In a recent move, President Trump dismissed the three remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission, an independent body assisting states in election administration. The commission’s work included providing cybersecurity support to states.
Dustin Volz covers cybersecurity and intelligence for The Times from Washington.