The National Security Agency (NSA) is preparing to cut between 1,500 and 2,000 civilian jobs by the end of the year as part of a broader Trump administration effort to reduce the size of the federal government, according to The Record.
The report revealed that the reduction will affect roles across the board, from administrative support to cybersecurity operations. The agency plans to implement the reductions by year’s end.
Other defense-related agencies, including the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, are also expected to face similar reductions.
While NSA officials declined to comment on the report, sources revealed that instead of large-scale layoffs, the agency has been offering early retirement and buyout packages since February to help reduce its workforce.
Sources said the agency is targeting senior staff close to retirement to avoid losing newer employees. About 100 senior executive service members at the NSA are rumored to be leaving through these offers.
The NSA’s planned cuts come at a time of broader restructuring in the intelligence community. The CIA is also planning to reduce its workforce by around 1,200 positions, or 5%, mostly through hiring freezes and early retirements, according to The Washington Post.
