Exclusive | DHS moves to fire 12 CISA employees who policed ‘misinformation’ and pause ‘all election security activities’

DHS Takes Action Against Cybersecurity Agency Employees Over "Misinformation" Policies

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced significant changes within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a federal agency tasked with protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and election systems. According to reports, DHS is moving to terminate 12 employees of CISA who were involved in activities related to policing "misinformation." Additionally, the agency has paused all election security activities while conducting a review of its mission and practices, particularly focusing on free-speech implications. This decision comes as part of a broader effort by President Trump’s administration to address concerns about government overreach in regulating political speech and online content.

The 12 employees in question were previously placed on leave as part of this ongoing review. A senior DHS official confirmed that CISA has completed an initial assessment of its election security mission, with a particular emphasis on work related to "mis-, dis-, and malinformation." This review was conducted in accordance with Executive Order 14149, titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship," which reflects President Trump’s campaign promise to hold federal officials accountable for actions perceived as censoring or regulating political commentary. The official stated that "appropriate actions" are being taken against employees found to have participated in such activities.

A Campaign Promise Takes Shape: Trump’s Vow to Address Federal Censorship

This shakeup at CISA is closely tied to President Trump’s long-standing vow to punish federal officials who he claims have overstepped their authority by labeling political speech as misinformation. In a policy video released in December 2022, Trump pledged to ban federal officials from engaging in such practices and to "begin the process of identifying and firing every federal bureaucrat" who had previously done so. The move is seen as a direct fulfillment of this campaign promise, with the Trump administration seeking to restore what it views as a balanced approach to free speech in the digital age.

The senior DHS official described the personnel changes and paused activities as "a critical part of a larger assessment of the election security work" being undertaken by CISA. This assessment includes a comprehensive review of all election security-related funding, products, activities, and personnel. The official emphasized that the pause on election security activities is temporary and strategic, pending the outcome of the review. While the move has raised eyebrows, the administration insists that it is necessary to ensure that CISA’s work aligns with its stated priorities and respects the principles of free speech.

CISA’s Contentious History and the Broader Implications of the Shake-Up

CISA has long been a focal point of controversy, particularly during President Trump’s first term. In 2020, Trump famously fired Christopher Krebs, then-director of CISA, after Krebs repeatedly dismissed Trump’s claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Since then, the agency has navigated a complex landscape, with its efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation drawing criticism from some quarters.

During both the Trump and Biden administrations, the terms "misinformation" and "disinformation" became flashpoints in debates over free speech and government censorship. In some cases, content labeled as misinformation was later proven accurate or gained widespread acceptance. For example, the theory that COVID-19 leaked from a Chinese lab conducting risky U.S.-funded research was initially dismissed as a conspiracy but is now considered plausible by agencies like the FBI and CIA. Similarly, documents from Hunter Biden’s laptop, which were initially suppressed on social media, have since been linked to President Joe Biden’s business dealings in China and Ukraine. These examples have fueled criticism that government agencies, including CISA, have overstepped in their efforts to police online content.

Key Programs Impacted by the DHS Review

As part of its review, CISA has terminated federally funded activities supporting the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC). However, the DHS official clarified that this change only affects federal funding and does not shutter the center itself. The Multi-State Information and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), another key program, will continue to receive funding as it is deemed to align with the department’s priorities.

The 20-day assessment, set to conclude on March 6, will determine the future of various election initiatives, many of which are not widely known to the public. The official explained that federally funded work organized under the EI-ISAC "no longer effectuates Department priorities," prompting the decision to halt its activities. This move signals a significant shift in how the federal government approaches election security and the role of agencies like CISA in addressing misinformation.

The Free Speech Debate and Its Impact on Cybersecurity Efforts

The decision to pause election security activities and terminate employees has sparked a debate about the balance between combating misinformation and protecting free speech. Critics argue that the Trump administration’s actions risk undermining efforts to safeguard the integrity of U.S. elections, particularly as the nation approaches the 2024 presidential campaign. On the other hand, supporters of the move see it as a necessary step to prevent government overreach and ensure that federal agencies do not infringe on citizens’ right to free expression.

The pause on election security activities, while described as temporary, has raised concerns among cybersecurity experts and election integrity advocates. They warn that halting these efforts, even for a short period, could leave the nation vulnerable to cyber threats and foreign interference in the upcoming elections. However, the administration maintains that the review is essential to ensure that CISA’s work is aligned with its core mission and respects constitutional principles.

Conclusion: A New Direction for CISA and Election Security

The ongoing changes at CISA reflect a broader shift in how the federal government approaches election security and the regulation of online content. The termination of employees, the pause on election security activities, and the review of federally funded programs signal a new direction for the agency under the Trump administration. While the move has been met with both support and criticism, one thing is clear: the intersection of free speech, government oversight, and election security remains a contentious and evolving issue in the digital age.

As the DHS review moves forward, all eyes will be on how the agency balances its mission to protect critical infrastructure with the administration’s push to restore free-speech protections. The outcome of this assessment will not only shape the future of CISA but also set a precedent for how federal agencies approach the complex and often divisive issue of misinformation in the years to come.