Noem pushes voluntary DHS exits, per email
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The Department of Homeland Security offered employees the choice between deferred resignation, early retirement or an immediate buyout, according to an email obtained by Axios Monday evening.
Why it matters: The email from Secretary Kristi Noem is part of a broader push to drastically reduce headcount across the federal government, including at the nation's top cyber defense agency.
What's happening: Noem laid out the voluntary offers in an email with the subject line, "Reshaping the DHS Workforce." Employees have until next Monday, April 14, to decide if they will take the deferred resignation, early retirement offer or buyout.
- Those who take the deferred resignation will be offered a "brief period of paid administrative leave to complete key tasks, submit retirement documentation and prepare for departure." Most departures would happen before the end of fiscal year 2025, Noem wrote.
- Workers can also choose to do a buyout in which they get a lump sum of $25,000, "or an amount equal to severance pay if lower," per the email.
- Eligible employees are also able to participate in an early retirement program, Noem said. Those employees typically will have reduced pensions and health care benefits.
- "By offering these options, we intend to provide flexibility for employees who may be considering a change, retirement or new career opportunities while also supporting the Department's operational readiness," Noem wrote.
- A senior DHS spokesperson said in a statement that, "the American people deserve a government that works for them, something President Trump has promised."
- "Every dollar spent and position filled at DHS should be focused on our core mission of securing our homeland and keeping the American people safe," the spokesperson added.
Between the lines: Sources familiar with the cutbacks previously told Axios that the goal is to reduce the headcount at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency by as much as a third.
Catch up quick: Rumors have been circulating throughout Washington about sweeping cuts at various DHS units since late last week.
- If enough employees don't take this week's offer, CISA will likely hand out "reduction in force" notices to meet its quota, two sources told Axios.
- CNN reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is likely to be decimated in the latest cuts, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are also facing potential cuts.
What to watch: Lawmakers in both parties were already raising alarm bells about the potential workforce reductions.
- Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee's cyber subcommittee, said during an event in D.C. last week that he was "not thrilled" with CISA's previous firings.
- Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee's cyber subcommittee, has already requested a briefing on CISA's workforce changes, spokesperson Cassie Baloue told Axios in a statement on Friday.
Go deeper: CISA braces for deep staffing cuts
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from the DHS.
