In a move to align with the Trump administration's agenda, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) offered voluntary buyouts to its entire workforce. This unprecedented offer, reported by the Wall Street Journal, grants employees eight months of pay and benefits if they choose to leave the agency. This comes on the heels of a broader buyout offer extended by the Trump administration last month to approximately two million federal employees, with a deadline to accept expiring soon. However, certain categories of federal workers, especially those in national security roles, were initially excluded from this offer.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly spearheaded this initiative, advocating for the inclusion of the CIA in the buyout program. According to an aide who spoke to the Wall Street Journal, Ratcliffe believed this would facilitate the creation of a "more aggressive" agency. Fox News has confirmed that despite the CIA's initial exemption, Ratcliffe personally sought the agency's participation. He formally requested a process from the Office of Personnel Management that would allow the CIA to extend the buyout offer to its employees while maintaining flexibility regarding the departure timelines for personnel in critical positions.

In addition to the buyouts, Ratcliffe is offering early retirement to long-serving officers and has suspended the onboarding of officers who received job offers late in the Biden administration. This is intended to ensure that new hires align with the current administration's priorities. A CIA spokesperson emphasized that these actions are part of a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the agency, empower emerging leaders, and enhance the CIA's ability to fulfill its mission.

The Office of Personnel Management recently informed approximately two million federal employees about the requirement to return to full-time in-person work, presenting the buyout as an alternative. Employees accepting the offer will receive full pay and benefits until September 30th and will be exempt from the in-person work mandate. This aligns with directives issued by President Trump early in his term, emphasizing a return to in-office work for federal employees.