US national security threatened by large-scale federal workforce reductions

A former top National Security Agency official has warned that widespread federal job cuts could severely undermine US cybersecurity and national security.

Rob Joyce, former NSA director of cybersecurity, told a congressional committee that eliminating probationary employees would weaken the government’s ability to combat cyber threats, particularly those from China.

The remarks were made during a House Select Committee hearing on China‘s cyber operations targeting critical United States infrastructure and telecommunications.

More than 100,000 federal workers have left their jobs through early retirement or layoffs as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to shrink government agencies, with support from billionaire advisor Elon Musk.

While national security roles were supposed to be exempt, some cybersecurity positions have still been affected.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has already cut over 130 positions, raising concerns about the government’s ability to protect critical systems.

The White House and NSA declined to comment on the impact of the job reductions.

A DHS spokesperson confirmed that the cuts are expected to save $50 million and that further reductions in ‘wasteful positions’ are being considered.

However, critics argue that the loss of skilled personnel in cybersecurity roles could leave the country more vulnerable to foreign threats.

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