WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Central Intelligence Agency on Tuesday became the first major national security agency to offer buyouts to its entire workforce, part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to reshape the federal government.
According to a CIA spokesman, the agency is indeed in the buyout program, whose aim is to realign it with the new director, John Ratcliffe’s priorities. This buyout program lets employees retire from their positions and receive pay and benefits worth eight months’ pay.
Director Ratcliffe is acting quickly to make the CIA workforce responsive to the administration’s national security priorities,” a spokesman said. “These actions are part of an overall plan to inject new vitality into the agency.
It is not clear whether all employees will be allowed to take the buyout, as some critical roles may be exempt. According to sources familiar with the matter, Ratcliffe retains flexibility to manage departures in key areas.
The buyout program follows a broader government-wide offer from the White House, which last week allowed federal workers to leave their positions while still receiving pay and benefits through September 30. The administration has also announced plans for widespread layoffs, referred to internally as “Reductions in Force.”
Unions representing government employees have filed a lawsuit to block the buyout program, arguing it forces workers into early departures under threat of layoffs. The Wall Street Journal first reported the CIA’s inclusion in the buyout program.
