Payam Javan: In a sweeping move to reshape the federal government, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has offered buyouts to all of its employees. The initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to streamline federal agencies and ensure they reflect his administration’s national security priorities. Under the plan, employees who accept the offer will receive nearly eight months of salary and benefits in exchange for their resignation. This decision follows a similar buyout program extended last month to more than two million civilian federal employees, though those in national security roles were initially exempt.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe described the move as part of a broader effort to modernize the agency, open leadership opportunities for new talent, and better position the CIA for its evolving mission. The agency has also frozen hiring for candidates with conditional job offers while reviewing applicants’ backgrounds to ensure alignment with its updated goals. These reforms are aimed at enhancing intelligence efforts against drug cartels and countering China’s influence, with an increased focus on operations in the Western Hemisphere.

The decision has sparked criticism from former intelligence officials and Democratic lawmakers, who warn that the buyouts could lead to the departure of highly skilled personnel, potentially weakening the agency’s intelligence-gathering capabilities. Concerns have also been raised that the vacancies could be filled with individuals more aligned with the administration’s perspective, potentially affecting intelligence assessments. Despite these objections, administration officials argue that the buyouts will create a leaner, more agile CIA better equipped to address emerging national security threats.