The Trump administration’s decision to slash funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is putting the security of upcoming elections at risk, according to cybersecurity experts and former federal officials. During a roundtable discussion on March 27, speakers from various levels of government and security agencies warned that these cuts could significantly weaken the nation’s ability to safeguard its elections from cyber threats and misinformation.
Election Officials Sound the Alarm
Al Schmidt, Pennsylvania’s secretary of the commonwealth, made it clear that the stakes are high. He stressed that the cuts directly impact the support CISA provides to state and local election officials, assistance that cannot be easily replaced.
“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.”
Schmidt pointed out that Pennsylvania relied on CISA’s expertise to prepare for previous elections, particularly in areas targeted by bad actors. These resources included intelligence briefings, cybersecurity training, and tabletop exercises. He argued that no state or county has the capability to fully replace what CISA has provided.
The Role of CISA in Election Security
CISA plays a critical role in election security by addressing threats both digital and physical. The agency provides a range of services:
- Cybersecurity assessments for election infrastructure
- Threat intelligence updates and analysis
- Counter-misinformation efforts to prevent foreign and domestic interference
- Training programs for election officials
Former government officials at the discussion agreed that these functions are essential for election integrity. Suzanne Spaulding, former undersecretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security (which later became CISA), described the agency as a key player in the fight against election-related cyber threats.
Political Attacks on Election Officials
Beyond the financial cuts, election security experts warned of another troubling trend—growing hostility toward election administrators. Schmidt, who previously ran elections at the county level, said the perception of election officials has shifted dramatically.
“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 said.
This shift has created additional pressure on election offices, already stretched thin by funding reductions. With fewer resources and increased scrutiny, many officials fear they will struggle to maintain security and public confidence in the electoral process.
Broader Implications for U.S. Democracy
Deborah McCarthy, former senior adviser on cybercrime at the U.S. Department of State, warned that the impact of these cuts could extend beyond 2024. She noted that a weakened CISA leaves the country more vulnerable to both foreign and domestic interference.
“When you weaken the institutions designed to protect democracy, you’re creating an open door for those who want to disrupt the process,” McCarthy said. “It’s not just about 2024—it’s about the long-term security of our elections.”
The experts at the roundtable agreed on one thing: Without CISA’s continued involvement, election security in the U.S. will be significantly weakened. While state and local governments can take some steps to mitigate the impact, they lack the national scope and intelligence capabilities that CISA provides.
