CIA takes Trump cue for makeover, first spy agency to offer buyouts to entire workforce

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered buyouts to its entire workforce as part of an effort to realign with President Donald Trump’s priorities, including a greater focus on targeting drug cartels, according to officials.

The offer, which provides about eight months of pay and benefits for employees who choose to resign, is part of a wider push to downsize the federal workforce.

While a similar buyout package was extended to most civilian federal agencies last month, national security roles were initially exempt. The CIA’s participation in the program makes it the first known intelligence agency to extend such an offer.

The agency is also halting the hiring process for individuals who have already received conditional offers, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing an aide to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Some of those offers may be rescinded if applicants do not align with the administration’s shifting priorities, which include economic competition with China and leveraging intelligence in trade negotiations, the aide said.

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Low interest in buyouts

Interest in the resignation package appears to be low, according to federal workforce career coaches who have spoken with more than 100 employees. Some lawmakers and officials have expressed concerns about the legality and implications of the move.

“There’s no statutory authority that I can see for the president making this offer,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who represents thousands of federal workers. He warned employees against taking the deal, calling it a potential risk. “The administration immediately knows, you don’t want to work for me. They’ll find some other way to get rid of you. You should not raise your hand.”

CIA’s mission expands to Western Hemisphere

Trump administration officials have said the buyout offer is also intended to push employees who oppose the president’s policies to seek employment elsewhere. The CIA’s shift under Ratcliffe is expected to emphasize more aggressive espionage and covert operations, with drug cartels and China identified as top priorities.

In his confirmation hearing, Ratcliffe signalled a more hard-line approach. “To the brave CIA officers listening around the world, if all of that sounds like what you signed up for, then buckle up and get ready to make a difference,” he told lawmakers last month. “If it doesn’t, then it’s time to find a new line of work.”

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The CIA is expected to increase intelligence efforts in the Western Hemisphere, including in countries not traditionally considered US adversaries, according to officials. One such initiative may involve gathering intelligence on Mexico’s government to provide Trump with additional leverage in ongoing trade disputes.

Additionally, the agency is expected to play a more prominent role in countering Mexican drug cartels, which Trump designated as terrorist organizations on his first day in office.

It remains unclear whether other intelligence agencies will introduce similar buyout offers. Meanwhile, the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday (February 4) narrowly advanced Trump’s nomination of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence, a position overseeing all 18 US intelligence agencies. Her confirmation is pending a full Senate vote.