The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has made a significant decision to suspend all work related to protecting US elections and has initiated a review of all programs implemented over the past 8 years. This move marks a notable shift in the agency’s policy in response to pressure from the Trump administration, which has been pushing claims of election fraud and internet censorship.
According to an internal memo obtained by Wired, a comprehensive audit of all positions related to election security and combating disinformation is underway. This audit will encompass initiatives dating back to 2017 when the voting infrastructure was deemed critically important.
CISA has also ceased funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which has been instrumental in coordinating cybersecurity efforts for elections at the state and local levels. Additionally, staff previously involved in programs to combat misinformation have been placed on administrative leave.
The memo references a Trump executive order from January 20 titled “Continuation of Federal Censorship.” Conservative lawmakers have accused CISA of collaborating with tech companies to identify misinformation in the 2020 election. Despite the dismissal of lawsuits by the US Supreme Court, the agency has limited its interactions with platforms in response to criticism.
While representatives from both political parties had previously praised CISA’s efforts, sentiment shifted after the 2020 election. Republicans have taken to labeling CISA as the “Center for Government Censorship,” and Trump’s potential 2024 election victory has necessitated a comprehensive review of the agency’s election security programs.
As outlined in the memorandum, CISA will scrutinize all aspects of its operations including personnel decisions, internal documents, guidelines, and investigate any potential violations related to censorship. Following the audit, due to be completed by March 6, recommendations for a new agency format will be presented to the White House.
The document underscores the objectives of the review which include streamlining services for local authorities, aligning CISA with its core mission, and eliminating programs, contracts, and positions that do not align with the Trump administration’s anti-crisis policy. It remains unclear whether the directive for the review came directly from the White House or if it was an independent decision made by CISA management.