The entire CIA workforce was offered a buyout as the Trump administration seeks to cut the size of the federal government, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
The buyout comes amid efforts to bring the agency in line with the Trump administration's agenda, according to the report. Ostensibly, the CIA is the first intelligence agency to receive such an offer: receive eight months of pay and benefits in exchange for their resignation.
An aide to the newly confirmed CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the agency is also freezing its hiring process. Those under the offer of a job will be screened to see if they meet the Trump administration's new goals: trade war, going after Mexico's drug cartel, and deterring Chinese influence.
The aide also pointed out that Trump's CIA will play a greater role in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on countries that are not typically viewed as adversaries of the U.S., according to the report.
For instance, the CIA will employ espionage to provide Trump with additional leverage in his trade negotiations, potentially conducting surveillance on Mexico's government amid the ongoing trade dispute. Furthermore, the CIA will take on a significant role in combating Mexican drug cartels, which Trump designated as foreign terrorist organizations on his first day in office.
Nick Koutsobinas ✉
Nick Koutsobinas, a Newsmax writer, has years of news reporting experience. A graduate from Missouri State University’s philosophy program, he focuses on exposing corruption and censorship.
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