The White House administration is reportedly planning to reduce the number of employees at the CIA and other intelligence agencies.
The layoffs will also affect the National Security Agency, Trump administration officials told members of Congress, The Washington Post reported on Friday.
A source familiar with the plan but not authorized to discuss it publicly confirmed the changes to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
The administration plans to cut 1,200 CIA employees over the next few years and eliminate thousands of positions at the NSA and other intelligence agencies.
The Post reported that the CIA's cuts would affect several hundred employees who have already chosen early retirement. The rest of the reductions would be achieved partly through hiring restrictions and are unlikely to require layoffs.
In response to questions about the CIA cuts, the agency released a statement saying CIA Director John Ratcliffe was working to ensure the organization was aligned with Mr. Trump's national security priorities.
“These steps are part of a comprehensive strategy to renew the agency, provide opportunities for new leaders and better position the CIA to accomplish its mission,” the agency said.
A spokeswoman for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ms. Gabbard's office oversees and coordinates the work of 18 agencies involved in collecting and analyzing intelligence information.
The CIA and NSA have already offered some of their employees voluntary resignation.
The CIA also announced its intention to fire an unknown number of newly hired employees.
The new administration also shut down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at intelligence agencies, though a judge temporarily halted efforts to fire 19 DEI employees who are challenging their dismissals.
Mr Trump also abruptly fired the general who led the NSA and the Pentagon's Cyber Command.
Ratcliffe has promised to reform the CIA and expressed a desire to increase the agency's use of intelligence obtained from agents, focusing on China.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
