The United States Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has placed several members of its election security team on administrative leave. The affected employees were reportedly involved in addressing foreign influence operations and disinformation.
According to Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin, the move is part of an agency-wide review of CISA’s election security mission, with a particular focus on combating misinformation. She did not specify the exact number of employees on leave, but did not dispute the Associated Press’ report of 17 individuals being affected.
The personnel on leave had played a crucial role in collaborating with election officials to combat cybersecurity threats, including ransomware and the protection of election workers. The Associated Press reported that 10 of the employees were regional security election officials hired to enhance election security in preparation for the 2024 election.
This development coincides with ongoing uncertainty about CISA’s future. The agency was established in 2018 under the Trump administration, and a replacement for former director Jen Easterly has yet to be appointed. When contacted for comment, CISA declined to provide any further details, referring inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security.
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