CIA offers 'buyouts' to all its staff - CNN
Photo: CIA Director John Ratcliffe (Getty Images)
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) became the first major US national security agency to offer its employees so-called buyouts. This decision was made as part of an initiative under Donald Trump's administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce, CNN reports.
Until Tuesday, February 4, this proposal, which allows federal employees to leave their jobs and receive approximately eight months of salary and benefits, had not been available for most positions related to national security. The likely reason was the recognition of their critically important role in the nation's security.
However, as noted by CNN sources, the new CIA Director John Ratcliffe decided to include his agency in the federal workforce reduction.
According to the spokesperson, this step is part of Ratcliffe's efforts to ensure that the CIA personnel align with the administration's national security priorities. In addition, the new CIA Director stated that it is "part of a holistic strategy to infuse the Agency with renewed energy.”
However, even after the offer was sent to all agency employees, it was not immediately clear whether everyone would be allowed to accept it.
According to one source familiar with the offer, some specific professions and areas of expertise will likely be restricted. This suggests that the efforts will be much less extensive than those in government agencies not focused on national security.
According to another source familiar with the matter, Ratcliffe was also advised to maintain flexibility in determining the timing of officers' deployment to critical areas.
Last week, the Office of Personnel Management issued an internal directive that some officers from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence may participate in the program, but not all positions within the agency will necessarily be eligible.
The decision to include the CIA in the program seems to have been made recently: as of last week, employees were still being told by the Office that officials were trying to determine whether they could participate in the program.
Trump and his allies have repeatedly claimed that CIA intelligence officers were part of the "deep state" that sought to undermine his interests, and some critics labeled the deferred resignation program as a "purge." Trump's officials denied this characterization.
CIA reform
Some national security officials within Trump's orbit believe that in recent years, the CIA has become too focused on analysis at the expense of clandestinely collecting intelligence and carrying out covert operations - functions of the much smaller Operations Directorate of the agency.
During his confirmation hearings, Ratcliffe promised to reinvest in both areas.
"To the brave CIA officers listening all around the world, if all of this sounds like what you signed up for, then buckle up and get ready to make a difference," John Ratcliffe said in his opening statement.
The US Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA Director on January 24.
Federal workforce reductions
At the end of January, the Trump administration instructed the heads of federal agencies to begin reducing staff in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI) offices.
Subsequently, officials from other federal agencies received letters offering them the chance to resign and receive compensation equivalent to their salaries until September of this year. Employees have to make their decision by February 6.
However, most officials boycotted the new president's offer, and unions called it illegal.
Approximately 2.4 million people in the US federal government are eligible for the so-called buyouts or deferred resignation program.
