Experts Warn CISA Cuts Put Future US Election Security at Risk

Cybersecurity experts and former government officials are sounding the alarm after the Trump administration cut funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). During a March 27 roundtable, speakers warned these cuts severely undermine the nation’s ability to protect upcoming elections from cyber threats and foreign interference, creating significant risks for election integrity.

State Officials Warn of Weakened Defenses

Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania’s secretary of the commonwealth, stated that the consequences of the funding cuts are direct and severe. He emphasized that the support CISA gives to state and local election officials is essential and cannot be replicated at the local level.

“Withdrawing the type of support that CISA provides makes elections less secure,” Schmidt said. “It’s not about an acronym. It’s about the resources the federal government provides to our counties—resources that only the federal government can provide.”

He explained that his state previously depended on CISA’s expertise for intelligence briefings and cybersecurity training to prepare for elections, especially in areas targeted by malicious actors. According to Schmidt, no state or county possesses the resources to fill the void left by CISA.

What Critical Services are Now at Risk?

CISA is a cornerstone of U.S. election security, tasked with protecting against both digital and physical threats. The agency’s role is multifaceted, providing crucial support that local governments cannot develop on their own.

Former officials at the discussion stressed how vital these functions are. The services now facing jeopardy include:

• Cybersecurity assessments to find vulnerabilities in election infrastructure.
• Timely threat intelligence updates and expert analysis on emerging dangers.
• Efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation from foreign and domestic sources.
• Specialized training programs and security exercises for election officials.

Suzanne Spaulding, a former undersecretary at the Department of Homeland Security, described CISA as a key player in the ongoing fight against election-related cyber threats and interference.

A Double Threat of Funding Cuts and Political Hostility

Beyond the budget cuts, experts highlighted another dangerous trend: the increasing hostility directed at election administrators. Schmidt, who has firsthand experience running county-level elections, noted a troubling change in public perception.

“As we’ve seen in the last several years, election administrators and the people involved are sometimes perceived as adversaries or combatants, and that’s a real significant change that has occurred,” he remarked.

This hostile environment puts extra pressure on election offices that are already struggling with fewer resources. The combination of reduced funding and heightened scrutiny makes it harder for officials to maintain security and ensure public confidence in the electoral system.

Long-Term Dangers to American Democracy

The impact of a weakened CISA could have consequences that last well beyond the next election cycle. Deborah McCarthy, a former senior adviser on cybercrime at the U.S. Department of State, warned that these cuts leave the entire country more vulnerable.

“When you weaken the institutions designed to protect democracy, you’re creating an open door for those who want to disrupt the process,” McCarthy stated. “It’s not just about 2024—it’s about the long-term security of our elections.”

The consensus among the experts was clear: state and local governments can try to mitigate the damage, but they simply do not have the national reach or intelligence capabilities that CISA provides. Below is a summary of the key concerns raised.