Trump Slashes Intelligence Staff, Dismantles DEI Programs

The Trump administration is implementing major staff reductions across U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, with about 1,200 positions eliminated at the CIA and thousands more across the community. The cuts are being carried out mainly through attrition, hiring freezes, early retirements, and targeted layoffs. Officials describe the changes as efforts to realign with national security and budgetary priorities and to bring new energy to the agencies. The administration has also dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, prompting criticism that the moves may undermine agency effectiveness and national security. Some employees are challenging their dismissals in court, and lawmakers have been briefed on the planned reforms. The changes remain controversial as debate continues over their impact on U.S. intelligence capabilities.