Summary:The Trump administration’s FY2027 budget proposes a $707 million cut to CISA, completely eliminating its election security program and reducing its workforce by 860 positions. This move would decrease the agency’s funding to $2 billion, following a year marked by significant layoffs.
The U.S. civilian cybersecurity agency has seen a workforce reduction of about one-third in the last 14 months. Its red team was disbanded, and many involved in election security and incident response were terminated, then partially reinstated, and placed on leave. The FY2027 budget proposal released on April 7, 2026, suggests slashing CISA’s budget by an additional $707 million, framed by the White House as a focus on core missions, but seen by critics as dismantling.
If implemented, these cuts would result in a $360 million net reduction, factoring internal transfers and new hires. CISA’s budget would drop from approximately $3 billion to $2 billion, while the workforce would be reduced by about 860 roles.
Programs at Risk
The elimination of CISA’s election security program is the most notable proposed cut. This would defund the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), stop support for election security advisors across the U.S., and end the agency’s information-sharing with election officials. These advisors have been crucial for handling cyber threats and misinformation targeting election systems.
Further reductions would limit CISA’s interactions with private sector and international partners, cut workforce development, and reduce state and local cybersecurity funding. The proposal also shifts more infrastructure security responsibilities to local governments, without additional funding.
The Administration’s Justification
The budget justification asserts that “CISA was more focused on censorship than protecting critical systems.” The proposed cuts aim to redirect CISA toward securing federal networks and aiding critical infrastructure against threats.
This censorship claim relates to CISA’s previously stopped counter-disinformation efforts, which involved coordinating with social media for content moderation during elections. Facing criticism and litigation, these efforts ended. Sean Plankey, nominated to lead CISA, pledged to abstain from such activities and focus on empowering private sector operators.
A Year of Reductions
As of December 2025, CISA’s workforce shrunk from around 3,300 employees to about 2,400. This reduction resulted from voluntary exits and other actions. Terminations affected key teams, including the red team, compromising CISA’s ability to conduct vital cybersecurity exercises.
The absence of a red team lessens the agency’s operational capacities, eliminating a function not easily replaced by existing staff. Debates continue around CISA’s role as cybersecurity challenges persist.
Congressional Reactions
The FY2027 proposed cut follows prior attempts, resisted by Congress, to reduce CISA’s funding. The strongest opposition comes from Democrats, emphasizing the need for CISA amid heightened global tensions. Representative Bennie Thompson criticizes the cuts as reckless given the increasing cyber threats.
Legislative efforts are underway to maintain adequate staffing at CISA, though progress is slow.
Implications of Reduced Funding
CISA would maintain essential functions like federal network security but lose its engagement and advisory activities. Historically, CISA provided crucial cybersecurity intelligence to smaller organizations lacking resources.
The proposed budget does not terminate this advisory role but would limit its reach and capacity, reducing incident responses and advisories for vital infrastructure operators.
As Congress deliberates funding, previous cuts remain in effect—impacting workforce levels, dissolving the red team, and pausing election security engagement.