CIA terminates probationary employees amid national security concerns

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has begun terminating some of its probationary employees—individuals with one to two years of service—who have fewer civil service protections, the agency confirmed on March 6.

The move comes just a week after a federal judge ruled in favour of CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s authority to dismiss employees at his discretion. The ruling followed the Trump administration’s push to remove intelligence officers assigned to diversity, equity, and inclusion roles, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“At CIA, we are reviewing personnel within their first two years of service at the agency. For some personnel, that process will result in termination. Our officers face unique pressures from working in situations that are fast-paced and high-stakes. It’s not for everyone,” a CIA spokesperson told Nextgov/FCW.

The New York Times first reported the dismissals, though it remains unclear how many employees are affected. Additionally, there is no confirmation whether other intelligence agencies have taken similar steps. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which oversees U.S. intelligence agencies and programs, declined to comment on specific workforce changes. However, an ODNI spokesperson stated that the intelligence community is aligning with the administration’s priorities of efficiency and national security.

Other key intelligence agencies, including the National Security Agency (NSA), National Reconnaissance Office, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Last month, the CIA submitted an unclassified email to the White House listing all employees hired in the past two years. This action was part of a broader executive order aimed at reducing the federal workforce and cutting government expenditures.

Meanwhile, recent U.S. intelligence suggests that foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia, are intensifying efforts to recruit discontented federal employees in national security roles. According to a report by CNN, Moscow and Beijing have specifically targeted recently dismissed intelligence officers and probationary workers with security clearances, given their access to sensitive information. Sources revealed that at least two nations have launched recruitment websites and are actively reaching out to these individuals via LinkedIn.

By Vugar Khalilov