The Trump administration, under President Trump, initiated actions that have significantly weakened election security. This included laying off 130 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) staff, disbanding key FBI task forces responsible for investigating foreign interference and threats to election workers, and canceling funding for crucial national information-sharing efforts. These actions were justified by claims of election fraud, but have alarmed state and local officials.
These cuts have significantly hampered the ability of state and local officials to protect against cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other election threats. The Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), a critical network for sharing threat information among election officials, was effectively shut down, leading to a significant loss of information sharing and collaboration.
State officials and senators have voiced strong concerns, highlighting the vulnerability of election systems without federal support. A bipartisan association representing secretaries of state and numerous state election officials have pressed the White House for answers, but haven't received satisfactory responses. Lawsuits have been filed to challenge the legality and constitutionality of executive orders that would increase control over state elections.
There are worries about the ongoing vulnerability of election systems and further potential cuts to security programs. The lack of communication from the administration and the potential for additional cuts add to the concerns.