State Department cyber, tech cuts deeper than previously known

Source: Politico

07/17/2025 06:15 PM EDT


The cuts of cybersecurity and technology staff at the State Department are more extensive than previously reported, and include a significant number of people with specialized skills that could leave major gaps in expertise at the department, according to interviews with four people familiar with the cuts.

Much of the activity has centered on the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, which promotes democratic norms online and helps allied countries improve their network cybersecurity. Jennifer Bachus, the acting head of the CDP, received a reduction in force notice along with around a dozen others in the office, according to a former official and to a congressional aide with knowledge of the cuts.

In addition, the CDP’s Office of the Coordinator for Digital Freedom — which worked on online safety and countering digital repression abroad — was “dismantled,” the former official said.

And about half of the office’s International Information and Communications Policy team received RIF notices, the aide said. This team works with global companies and foreign allies to improve the security of tech products like telecommunications equipment, often built by untrusted Chinese companies. Both the former official and the congressional aide were granted anonymity to discuss changes that weren’t yet public.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/17/cyber-tech-state-ai-00460679