The CIA is offering voluntary buyouts to its employees, a spokesperson confirmed, marking another step in the Trump administration’s effort to restructure and reduce the size of the federal government.
The buyout package includes eight months of pay and benefits, similar to offers made at other federal agencies. However, at the CIA, certain employees—particularly those in high-priority roles—will not be eligible.
“Director [John] Ratcliffe is acting quickly to ensure the CIA workforce aligns with the Administration’s national security priorities,” the spokesperson said in an email statement.
During his confirmation hearing, Ratcliffe pledged to keep politics out of intelligence decisions and assured lawmakers that loyalty tests would not influence hiring or firing decisions at the agency.
“These buyouts are part of a broader strategy to inject new energy into the Agency, create opportunities for emerging leaders, and position the CIA to better fulfill its mission,” the spokesperson added.
Federal employee unions, legal experts, and Democratic lawmakers have urged caution, warning federal workers not to accept the offers. They argue that the buyouts may not have the proper congressional authorization and could be legally questionable.
The CIA’s workforce size, like that of other intelligence agencies, remains classified and closely guarded.
Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman and Trump’s director of national intelligence during his first term, was confirmed as CIA director on January 23.
