CISA sidelined as White House scrambles on AI cyber threats
Summary
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), responsible for protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, is facing cuts in staff and funding under President Donald Trump's administration. These reductions leave the agency weaker at a time when new AI technologies increase the risk of cyber threats, causing concern among officials and industry experts.Key Facts
- CISA was created in 2018 during President Trump's first term to protect federal systems and critical infrastructure like power grids and water utilities.
- Since 2025, CISA has lost about one-third of its workforce due to buyouts and budget cuts.
- President Trump’s budget proposal for the next year includes cutting as much as $707 million and up to 766 full-time jobs at CISA.
- The agency did not replace its chief AI officer after she left last year and lacked early access to new AI models like Anthropic’s Mythos.
- Acting director Nick Andersen leads the agency but has limited influence in the government’s AI cybersecurity efforts.
- Industry partners find it harder to work with CISA due to staff cuts and uncertain agency leadership.
- Some members of Congress and security experts warn that reducing CISA’s capacity risks U.S. homeland security.
- CISA recently announced plans to hire over 300 new employees for important roles amid calls for stronger action against cyber threats.
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