Table of contents
- CISA on the ropes: U.S. cyber defense takes a hit
- Global cyber security takes a hit: allies left exposed
- Weakening election defenses: no more digital watchtower for states
- The Ukrainian front: U.S. loses key cyber intel source
- Disinformation unchecked: Russia takes the advantage
- A risky gamble: America’s digital fortress crumbling
CISA on the ropes: U.S. cyber defense takes a hit
The Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), created in 2018 to protect U.S. critical infrastructure, is now facing severe downsizing.
Backed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and aligned with the Project 2025 vision of the Heritage Foundation, President Trump has launched a plan that significantly undermines federal cyber security.
Budget cuts have led to the layoff of over 300 employees, roughly 10% of the workforce. Meanwhile, all AI-related initiatives have been halted and half the AI staff let go.
Entire divisions such as the National Risk Management Center face shutdown, and top talent is fleeing to the private sector, leaving CISA weakened and understaffed.
Global cyber security takes a hit: allies left exposed
The Trump administration has terminated over 80% of USAID’s cyber-related programs, which previously helped build secure internet infrastructure in allied countries.
Of the $60 billion in aid cuts, more than $175 million were dedicated to cyber security, particularly efforts to curb China’s digital expansion and push allies to adopt American-made telecom equipment.
These programs also supported efforts to block Huawei from dominating global infrastructure—a major goal of the previous Trump administration that is now in jeopardy.
Weakening election defenses: no more digital watchtower for states
One of the most concerning outcomes of these cuts is the elimination of the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). Funded by CISA, this center helped local election officials detect and respond to cyber threats in real time.
Now, that defense system is gone. Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, emphasized how crucial EI-ISAC was during the 2024 elections to prevent unauthorized access attempts. Without it, the electoral system is more vulnerable than ever.
The Ukrainian front: U.S. loses key cyber intel source
Also scrapped are critical joint cyber defense programs with Ukraine, designed to protect their national grid from Russian cyberattacks. Initiated in 2023 with NATO, the EU, and Canada, these efforts gave U.S. intelligence invaluable insights into Russian cyber warfare tactics.
The 2015 and 2016 attacks had shown the vulnerability of power grids and allowed the US to strengthen its defenses. Canceling the project means giving up a valuable source of intelligence on Russian cyber tactics just as Moscow intensifies its hybrid warfare operations.
Disinformation unchecked: Russia takes the advantage
Under Biden, a national security task force—led by CISA—monitored Russian disinformation and ransomware attacks. Since Trump took office, these coordination meetings have ceased.
The team combating electoral disinformation has been placed on administrative leave, though CISA insists it’s still committed to protecting critical infrastructure. However, analysts warn that this shift may embolden Moscow’s hybrid warfare strategy while weakening U.S. deterrence.
A risky gamble: America’s digital fortress crumbling
The combination of domestic cyber security cuts, reduced support to allies and dismantling of election defense systems could result in increased exposure to digital threats from hostile powers such as Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
Trump justifies these decisions with the principle of “America First,” but according to many observers, the weakening of domestic cyber security could have direct repercussions not only on foreign policy but also on the country’s domestic stability, especially in view of the upcoming elections.
