The Trump administration has proposed slashing the budget of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) by $700 million. The plan would reduce funding to $1.5 billion, a sharp drop from the $2.2 billion allocated in recent years. The proposal cites the government’s argument that CISA’s election misinformation programs were improperly used to "target the President."
The budget document, obtained by multiple outlets, frames the cuts as necessary to address what it calls misuse of taxpayer funds. CISA, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, has been a key player in defending federal networks against cyber threats. Its responsibilities include protecting election infrastructure and coordinating responses to ransomware attacks on critical services.
Lawmakers from both parties have already raised concerns over the proposal. A senior Democratic aide on the House Homeland Security Committee called the cuts "dangerous" and warned they would weaken the nation’s ability to counter foreign interference in elections. Republicans have not yet publicly endorsed the plan, though some have echoed the administration’s criticism of CISA’s past actions.
The agency has not commented on the proposal. If enacted, the cuts would take effect in the next fiscal year, which begins October 1. Cybersecurity experts have warned that reduced funding could leave federal systems more vulnerable to attacks, particularly as U.S. adversaries increase their digital operations.
The administration has not detailed how the cuts would be distributed across CISA’s programs. The move comes amid broader efforts to restructure federal agencies and reduce spending on programs the White House considers inefficient.
Source: techcrunch.com