(CLO) The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) fired an unspecified number of new employees this week, a move that many fear could harm US national security.
The CIA has fired a number of recent hires, three sources said. The employees, known as probationers, worked in a variety of areas and were fired due to performance issues. One source said the number of people fired was “more than a few” but would not provide a specific number.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Photo: X
In a statement, a CIA spokesperson said: "At CIA, we are reviewing personnel during their first two years of service. For some employees, this process will result in termination. Our officers face unique pressures while working in fast-paced, high-risk environments. This is not for everyone."
The firings come under new CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who was appointed by President Donald Trump. The move comes amid a massive cutback in the federal workforce overseen by billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
However, according to leaked documents, some federal employees fired for poor performance had previously received excellent performance reviews.
Experts warn that mass firings of CIA employees, even probationary ones, could impact the agency's intelligence gathering and analysis efforts.
“We need a constant flow of officers in training to carry out our mission,” said a US intelligence official, who requested anonymity. “A gap like this would cause irreparable damage to our ability to carry out essential national security missions for years to come.”
Daniel Hoffman, a former senior officer in the CIA's Clandestine Intelligence Service, expressed deep concern about the impact of the dismissals, saying they could harm US national security by eliminating a generation of intelligence officers that the CIA has spent years recruiting and training.
Cao Phong (according to CNA, CNN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cia-sa-thai-mot-so-luong-khong-xac-dinh-cac-nhan-vien-moi-post337454.html
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