The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. government’s primary body for safeguarding election infrastructure, has suspended all election security activities. This move follows a directive from President Donald Trump, aligning with his claims of election fraud and anti-censorship stance. CISA’s acting director, Bridget Bean, announced a comprehensive review of the agency’s election-related programs, services, and positions, pausing support to the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center (EI-ISAC) and placing several employees on administrative leave.​
Background and Rationale
CISA’s election security efforts began in 2017 when the federal government designated election systems as critical infrastructure. Since then, the agency has provided essential support to state and local officials, including cybersecurity assessments, threat intelligence, and training. However, following the 2020 election, some conservative officials criticized CISA for its role in countering misinformation, alleging censorship. In response, President Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing a review of federal agencies’ activities related to online censorship. CISA’s internal review, led by Bean, aims to assess the agency’s election security activities and ensure alignment with the new directive.​
Impact on Election Security
The suspension of CISA’s election security work has raised concerns among election officials. The EI-ISAC, a key resource for state and local governments, has lost federal funding, limiting its ability to provide services such as threat monitoring and incident response. Without CISA’s support, many election jurisdictions may struggle to maintain robust cybersecurity measures, potentially exposing them to increased risks from cyber threats.​
Internal Changes at CISA
The internal review has led to significant changes within CISA. Between 300 to 400 employees, including key staff involved in election security, have been laid off or reassigned. This restructuring has strained the agency’s capacity to fulfill its core mission of protecting critical infrastructure. Employees have expressed concerns about the agency’s future direction and its ability to effectively counter cyber threats.​
Broader Implications
The suspension of CISA’s election security activities reflects a broader shift in the federal government’s approach to cybersecurity and election integrity. Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to protect the electoral process and may embolden adversaries seeking to disrupt U.S. elections. The lack of transparency regarding the internal review’s findings has further fueled skepticism about the agency’s commitment to safeguarding democracy.​
Conclusion
CISA’s decision to halt its election security work marks a significant turning point in the U.S. government’s approach to election integrity. As the agency undergoes internal restructuring and realignment, the future of election security remains uncertain. The outcome of this review will have lasting implications for the resilience of U.S. elections and the public’s trust in the electoral process.
