Shutdown at D.H.S. Extends to Cyber Agency, Adding to Setbacks

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by Adam Sella

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is facing a significant challenge due to a shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has led to staffing cuts and left the agency without a Senate-confirmed leader. This latest setback comes after years of targeted actions by former President Trump, who sought to undermine CISA following its role in debunking claims about the 2020 election being rigged. The shutdown has resulted in thousands of employees being furloughed, reducing CISA's workforce from approximately 3,400 in January 2025 to fewer than 1,000 actively working during the shutdown. This drastic reduction has left employees demoralized and concerned about the agency’s ability to protect against cyber threats. CISA’s challenges are compounded by a lack of leadership, with the agency operating without a confirmed director since Trump's term. The absence of strong leadership and the ongoing staffing cuts have raised serious concerns among lawmakers and former officials about the agency’s capacity to fulfill its mission. Representative Bennie Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi, emphasized the critical nature of CISA’s work, stating that losing a significant portion of its workforce makes it nearly impossible to achieve its objectives. The shutdown highlights broader issues within DHS, including funding lapses and political interference, which have weakened CISA’s ability to address emerging threats. The agency’s role in safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and power grids, is more vital than ever, making the current situation particularly concerning. Lawmakers and experts warn that without adequate funding and leadership, CISA may struggle to keep up with evolving cyber threats, leaving the nation’s infrastructure vulnerable. This situation underscores the importance of a robust cybersecurity framework and the need for bipartisan cooperation to ensure the agency can operate effectively. The stakes are high, as any failure in securing critical systems could have far-reaching consequences for national security and public safety.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026