Trump's agency cuts spark fears of intelligence shake-up

The Trump administration continues to change personnel in the government, aiming to streamline operations amid claims of financial waste in federal agencies. DOGE, led by Musk, has already initiated actions in the Department of the Treasury and USAID, resulting in cuts to American funding for foreign organizations.

According to Bloomberg, there are concerns that similar changes could also affect American intelligence. So far, actions related to shifts in power have bypassed intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA (National Security Agency).

Former CIA officer Paul Pillar suggests that it may only be a matter of time before these institutions are also targeted. Trump has long criticized intelligence agencies for alleged political abuses.

Relations between Trump and intelligence agencies deteriorated during his first term. Intelligence confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 American elections in his favor. Trump and his supporters dismissed these findings as a Russian "hoax."

CIA Director John Ratcliffe proposed voluntary departures for agency employees to help focus on current priorities, such as China. Meanwhile, Michael Ellis, a Trump ally, was appointed as his deputy, which may influence further changes within the agency.

Emily Harding, director at the American Center for Strategic Studies, expressed concern about the prospect of changes within intelligence, especially concerning officers who present conclusions that may not be welcome by the president. "If there is a sentiment inside the intelligence community that hard-hitting independent analysis is not welcome, then it’s going to have a chilling effect," Harding told Bloomberg.