Cybersecurity Policy Report, White House Proposes New, Steeper Cuts for CISA, (Jun 2, 2025)
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s budget would be slashed by nearly 21% and its workforce cut by more than 1,000 personnel under a proposed fiscal year 2026 spending plan issued by the White House on Friday.
The Trump administration previously proposed a 17% spending cut at CISA under a “skinny” budget proposal released a month ago (CPR, May 2).
But in a new budget overview that provides more detail about President Trump’s plans for CISA, the cuts appear to be even deeper.
The overview proposes a $2.38 billion budget for the agency in FY 2026, a reduction from the $2.87 billion CISA received in FY 2025, and the elimination of 1,083 positions, shrinking CISA’s workforce by 29% compared with FY 2025.
The personnel reductions include 301 positions that are currently vacant, according to the overview. “CISA has conducted thorough analyses to confirm that these reductions align with organizational needs and will maintain mission-critical functions. Streamlining vacant positions enhances operational efficiency while minimizing unnecessary expenditures,” it says.
Other workforce reductions would result from programs the administration has implemented to encourage employees to resign, the overview notes.
The Trump administration and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have characterized the cuts at CISA as a way to refocus the agency on its core mission. But the reductions have generated bipartisan concern among members of Congress, where CISA’s budget will ultimately be set (CPR, May 8).
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