Recent intelligence reports have revealed that foreign adversaries, particularly Russia and China, are intensifying their efforts to recruit US federal employees working in national security. These recruitment efforts are specifically targeting individuals who have been recently fired or are at risk of termination.
The Trump administration's plans for mass layoffs within the federal workforce have created an opportune moment for these adversaries to exploit the situation. Russia and China are honing in on employees with security clearances and those in probationary periods, as they may possess valuable information about critical infrastructure and government operations.
According to sources, at least two countries have established recruitment websites and are actively pursuing federal employees on professional platforms like LinkedIn. The vulnerable state of these individuals, having been let go or facing potential dismissal, makes them prime targets for foreign intelligence services.
One source highlighted the attractiveness of these former federal workers to adversaries, citing their wealth of institutional knowledge as a valuable asset. The concern is that these individuals, feeling disgruntled or resentful after losing their jobs, may be susceptible to recruitment efforts by foreign entities.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has been contacted for comment on the matter, along with the embassies of China and Russia in Washington. The urgency of addressing this issue is paramount to safeguarding US national security interests and preventing the exploitation of former federal employees by foreign adversaries.
