CISA Election Security Officials Placed on Leave - DHS Confirms

CISA Election Security Team Members on Administrative Leave

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has temporarily relieved several of its election security personnel from their duties. This action has been verified by the Department of Homeland Security to TechCrunch.

Confirmation of Personnel Action

Reports from the Associated Press, based on information from a source with direct knowledge, indicate that 17 CISA employees are currently on administrative leave while under review.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provided a statement to TechCrunch acknowledging that CISA staff involved in countering foreign influence and the spread of disinformation have been placed on leave.

While McLaughlin refrained from specifying the exact number of employees affected, she did not contradict the figure of 17 as reported by the Associated Press.

Focus on Mission Realignment

“As Secretary Noem articulated during her confirmation proceedings, a renewed focus for CISA is essential,” McLaughlin stated to TechCrunch. “Our initial step in this process involves a review of election security efforts.”

“The agency is currently evaluating its performance in securing elections, with particular attention paid to initiatives addressing misinformation, disinformation, and malicious information campaigns.”

Personnel who contributed to efforts combating misinformation, disinformation, and foreign interference have been placed on administrative leave during this assessment.

Impact on Election Security Efforts

The employees impacted had been collaborating with election authorities to mitigate various cybersecurity risks. These included threats such as ransomware attacks and ensuring the physical safety of election personnel.

The Associated Press reports that ten of those placed on leave were regional security officials specifically hired to strengthen election security preparations for the 2024 election cycle.

Context and Leadership Transition

This development occurs during a period of transition for CISA, which was established in 2018 during the initial term of the Trump administration.

Currently, a replacement for the former CISA director, Jen Easterly, who left the agency on January 20th, has not been appointed by President Trump.

CISA directed all inquiries to the DHS when contacted for comment.

This article has been updated to include a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.