CIA offers entire workforce buyouts as Trump downsizes government agencies
What's the story
In a move that aligns with the Trump administration's continued push to downsize government agencies, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered buyouts to all its employees.
The buyout package offers roughly eight months of salary and benefits in exchange for voluntary resignations.
The offer is similar to those offered to over two million civilian federal workers, with national security personnel being the only exception.
Strategic shift
CIA's new strategic goals prompt workforce restructuring
The CIA is also temporarily halting recruitment and reassessing pending job offers to ensure they align with its new objectives, the Wall Street Journal reported.
These include countering drug cartels and China, an aide to CIA Director John Ratcliffe revealed.
The agency also plans to shift its focus toward the Western Hemisphere and target countries not traditionally viewed as adversaries by the United States.
Agency revitalization
Buyouts aim to inject 'renewed energy' into CIA
A CIA spokesperson told the New York Post that the buyouts are aimed at bringing "renewed energy" into the agency.
"Director Ratcliffe is moving swiftly to ensure the CIA workforce is responsive to the Administration's national security priorities," they added.
The spokesperson added that the measures are part of a holistic strategy aimed not just at revitalizing the agency but also at giving opportunities to emerging leaders and bolstering its mission delivery capabilities.
Deadline
Government employees have until Thursday
Government employees have until 11:59pm on Thursday to accept the buyout offer.
The offer allows people to voluntarily leave and be paid until September 30 without having to continue working. It was unclear whether the same terms applied to the offer made to CIA employees.
Since his first term, Trump has had a strained relationship with the intelligence community. He and his supporters have accused agency officials, the Justice Department, and the FBI of a "deep state" plot against him.