CISA Faces Deep Cuts in Proposed 2026 Budget

The Trump administration’s fiscal 2026 budget proposal would reduce the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) funding by $491 million—nearly 17% of its current budget, reports CyberScoop. The proposed cuts come without a detailed breakdown, instead outlining broad categories such as programs labeled “duplicative,” “external engagement,” and those related to disinformation. The summary claims the budget aims to refocus CISA on its “core mission” of federal network defense and infrastructure resilience.

Notably, the proposal targets initiatives associated with misinformation and disinformation, referring to them as part of a “Censorship Industrial Complex.” Although CISA does not operate formal offices dedicated to misinformation, the agency previously maintained a “Rumor Control” website to counter false claims around elections—a move that drew sharp criticism from Trump during his prior term.

The role of misinformation work in CISA’s broader budget appears minimal. Testimony from a former CISA executive in January indicated the agency spent under $2 million on such efforts. Despite this, the administration’s budget narrative frames this work as a significant deviation from cybersecurity, arguing that such activities fall outside CISA’s intended scope.

The proposed reductions have raised concerns among lawmakers and staffers across party lines. While the administration frames the cuts as a reallocation toward cybersecurity fundamentals, critics worry that scaling back CISA’s reach—especially amid increasing cyber threats—could hinder the nation’s broader security posture. Congress will ultimately decide whether to adopt the recommendations.