Trump Proposes Slashing CISA Budget by $707 Million, Weakening US Cyber Defense
President Trump has proposed cutting $707 million from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) budget for fiscal year 2027, continuing a pattern of defunding the agency responsible for protecting America's critical infrastructure.
The Cuts in Context
| Year | Proposed Cut | Actual Cut |
|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | $491M | ~$135M (Congress) |
| FY2027 | $707M | TBD |
CISA has already lost:
- ~1,000 staff (nearly one-third of workforce)
- Millions in funding during Trump's first year
- Key capabilities in election security and disinformation response
Trump's Rationale
The administration claims CISA is:
"More focused on censorship than on protecting the Nation's critical systems, and put them at risk due to poor management and inefficiency."
This language mirrors criticism from former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who was ousted in 2025.
Expert Warnings
"This would weaken the system for managing cyber risk, increasing the likelihood that preventable incidents escalate into disruptions affecting critical infrastructure and the services Americans rely on." — Former CISA official
What CISA Does
- Protects critical infrastructure (power grids, water systems, communications)
- Coordinates federal cybersecurity response
- Leads election security efforts
- Manages vulnerability disclosure programs
- Provides cybersecurity guidance to state and local governments
Impact Assessment
Deep cuts to CISA during a period of increasing cyber threats — from nation-state actors, ransomware gangs, and AI-powered attacks — create significant national security risks. The agency's role in coordinating responses to attacks on hospitals, schools, and local governments would be severely diminished.