US cybersecurity agency CISA reportedly in dire shape amid Trump cuts and layoffs | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Zack Whittaker

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is facing significant challenges under the Trump administration, according to bipartisan lawmakers and industry experts. The agency, which plays a critical role in safeguarding federal networks and ensuring election security, has lost approximately one-third of its staff due to budget cuts and layoffs during the first year of Trump's presidency. This reduction in personnel has severely impacted CISA's ability to carry out key initiatives, including its counter-ransomware efforts and programs aimed at promoting secure software development. CISA's struggles have been exacerbated by the reassignment of hundreds of staffers to assist other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, particularly as part of Trump's broader immigration enforcement agenda. The agency has also been operating without a permanent director since Trump assumed office in 2025, with acting director Madhu Gottumukkala facing criticism for leadership challenges. These issues have left CISA understaffed and under-resourced, with some sources pointing to the administration's focus on false claims about the 2020 election as a contributing factor to the agency's deprioritization. Amid these challenges, CISA is currently operating at around 38% staff levels due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. Theshutdown has further strained federal agencies, including those responsible for immigration enforcement and cybersecurity efforts. Despite these obstacles, Gottumukkala has emphasized that CISA remains committed to protecting federal networks from cyber threats during the shutdown. However, concerns about the agency's preparedness persist, particularly as it continues to grapple with reduced funding, leadership vacancies, and staff shortages. The implications of CISA's weakened state are significant for tech readers interested in cybersecurity. The agency is a key player in ensuring the security of critical infrastructure, including election systems, which have come under increasing scrutiny following claims of foreign interference in recent elections. Its diminished capacity raises serious questions about the U.S.'s ability to respond to major cyber threats and protect its digital assets. In an era where cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, the health and readiness of CISA are crucial to maintaining national security and public trust. The ongoing challenges faced by the agency underscore the importance of adequate funding, leadership, and staffing in addressing emerging cybersecurity threats. As the situation continues to

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/25/2026