The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has recently offered buyouts to its entire workforce, becoming the first major national security agency to do so. This move is part of President Donald Trump's broader efforts to reduce the size of the federal government and align it with his administration's priorities.
The buyout offer allows federal employees to resign from their positions and receive approximately eight months of pay and benefits. While the offer was initially not extended to most national security roles due to their critical nature, CIA Director John Ratcliffe personally decided to include the CIA in the program.
A CIA spokesperson stated that Ratcliffe's goal is to ensure that the CIA's workforce is aligned with the administration's national security objectives and to infuse the agency with renewed energy. However, not all employees may be eligible to take the buyout, as certain occupations and areas of expertise could be restricted.
The Office of Personnel Management issued internal guidance indicating that some officers at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence may also be eligible for the program. The decision to include the CIA in the buyout offer appears to be a recent development, with the workforce being informed just last week about their potential eligibility.
Some critics have raised concerns about the buyout offer, viewing it as a purge within the federal workforce. The Trump administration is reportedly planning widespread layoffs among federal employees who do not accept the buyout offer, with layoffs expected to begin soon after the deadline for accepting the resignation package.
Ratcliffe, during his confirmation hearing, emphasized the need to reinvest in both intelligence analysis and covert operations at the CIA. The buyout offer has stirred controversy within the government, with unions advising members against accepting it.
