The United States faces high tensions as recent federal staffing cuts threaten the strength of national defense systems. The sudden termination of key contracts within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has raised concerns about the government’s ability to counter growing cyber threats. With layoffs impacting hundreds of cybersecurity professionals, experts warn that these reductions could leave critical infrastructure and government networks more vulnerable to attacks.
The Scope of the Cuts
In February 2025, the White House-backed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated contracts supporting two red teams at CISA, removing over 100 cybersecurity specialists responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in government systems. This decision followed the broader downsizing of CISA’s CyberSentry program, when more than 130 employees were let go. The abrupt nature of these cuts has sparked debate over whether cost-saving measures are compromising national security.
Among the terminated employees was Kelly Shaw, a cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in network security and federal service. In a public comment, Shaw described the layoffs as “soul-crushing,” highlighting the loss of critical expertise that had been developed over decades. Similarly, Jen Easterly, the former second Director at CISA, expressed concerns that eliminating cybersecurity positions would weaken the government’s ability to preempt cyberattacks and increase the loss of top talent.
The Risks of Reducing Cybersecurity Staff
The staffing reductions come at a time of heightened cyber threats from both nation-state actors and criminal organizations. The layoffs have weakened CISA’s capacity to:
- Conduct penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Provide cyber threat intelligence to government agencies and election officials.
- Support state and local governments in mitigating cyber risks.
- Respond quickly to breaches and emerging threats.
Critics argue that these cuts create significant security gaps that adversaries could exploit. Former NSA cybersecurity director Rob Joyce testified before the House Select Committee, warning that “aggressive cuts to federal cybersecurity personnel will have a devastating effect on national security.” He stressed that even employees who remain at CISA are likely to leave for private-sector opportunities due to job uncertainty and diminished agency effectiveness.
Is There a Bigger Picture?
Some analysts suggest that the layoffs may signal a broader strategic shift in how the U.S. government approaches cybersecurity. Neil Shah, a VP at Counterpoint Research, speculated that “privatization of cybersecurity initiatives” could be the next step, with artificial intelligence (AI) and private-sector firms taking on more responsibility for protecting government networks.
Elon Musk, whose involvement with DOGE has influenced recent policy decisions, has advocated for a “tech-first” approach to governance. Faisal Kawoosa, a technology analyst, noted that DOGE’s restructuring efforts may ultimately lead to “more efficient systems” but acknowledged that the transition period presents significant security risks. However, experts remain divided on whether private-sector cybersecurity initiatives can match the capabilities of government-led programs.
Consequences for Election Security
One of the most alarming effects of these budget cuts is the defunding of election security initiatives. The Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) both lost funding, jeopardizing the ability of state and local governments to combat election-related cyber threats.
The timing of these cuts has drawn criticism from election security experts. Larry Norden of the Brennan Center for Justice expressed “grave concern for state and local election officials and for the security of our elections going forward.” Additionally, the disbanding of an FBI task force dedicated to countering foreign influence operations has further fueled concerns that the U.S. is retreating from its commitment to election security.
The Future of U.S. Cybersecurity
As the U.S. government continues its restructuring efforts, cybersecurity experts caution that the consequences of these cuts may not become fully apparent until a major breach occurs. If the CISA’s diminished workforce struggles to detect and respond to cyberattacks, critical infrastructure such as power grids, financial institutions and communication networks could become prime targets for malicious actors.
The long-term impact of these decisions remains uncertain, but former CISA officials, cybersecurity researchers and government analysts agree on one point: cybersecurity threats are not diminishing. The question now is whether the government’s changing strategy can effectively address these risks or whether the U.S. is leaving itself increasingly exposed to digital threats.
