US cyber agency puts election security staffers who worked with the states on leave

Summary of CISA Staff Placed on Administrative Leave and Its Implications

1. CISA Employees on Administrative Leave:

   • 17 employees from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been placed on administrative leave, including 10 regional election security specialists. These specialists were key in building relationships with state and local election officials, providing training on cybersecurity and physical security measures.

2. Reasons for the Internal Review:

   • The internal review is examining efforts to combat foreign interference in elections and misinformation campaigns. This action follows criticism from Republicans and figures in the Trump administration, who claim CISA has strayed from its mission.

3. Political Backlash and Criticism:

   • CISA faced backlash for its role in countering misinformation during the 2020 election. The new DHS Secretary, Kristi Noem, has criticized CISA, and there’s uncertainty about the agency’s future with no replacement for its former director and absent leadership at recent meetings.

4. Impact on Election Security:

   • State election officials, both Republican and Democrat, have praised CISA’s work, highlighting the importance of the regional specialists in enhancing local election security. Their absence could hinder support for the 2024 elections.
5. Uncertain Future and Leadership:
   • With leadership changes and political pressure, CISA’s future is uncertain. The absence of official statements from CISA and DHS adds to the ambiguity, leaving state officials concerned about the implications for election security.

In conclusion, the administrative leave of CISA employees, particularly the regional specialists, raises concerns about the impact on election security support. This situation reflects broader political tensions surrounding CISA’s role, with potential implications for the integrity of the 2024 elections.