The U.S. government has sent buyout offers to employees of at least four intelligence agencies, in addition to the CIA, as President Donald Trump accelerates efforts to shrink the federal workforce. Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, has been tapped to lead the overhaul, sparking panic among workers and backlash from Democrats, who accuse him of orchestrating a government takeover.
The affected agencies include the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), National Security Agency (NSA), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The exact number of employees impacted remains unclear, as figures for the largest agencies are classified.
The CIA confirmed Tuesday that its workforce received buyout offers, aligning with the goals of its new director, John Ratcliffe. Last week, the White House offered 2 million federal workers an option to leave immediately while receiving pay and benefits through Sept. 30. It is uncertain if intelligence personnel received the same terms.
The ODNI, created after 9/11, oversees 18 intelligence agencies. It is unknown whether any of the remaining 13 are included in the initiative. The NGA and NSA, part of the Defense Department, are also affected.
Critics fear the move could weaken intelligence operations by pushing out experienced staff and replacing them with political loyalists. A former senior intelligence official, speaking anonymously, expressed concern that expertise built over years might be lost.
Trump has had a tense relationship with U.S. intelligence agencies, especially over findings that Russia interfered in past elections. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Ratcliffe vowed not to fire CIA employees based on their views.
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