Espionage concerns rise as Trump and Musk fire thousands from US government jobs | World News
Concerns over espionage are growing as President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk continue to remove thousands of government employees in an effort to restructure federal agencies. Experts say this mass layoff is creating a security risk, making former workers potential targets for intelligence agencies of foreign nations like Russia and China.
‘A counterespionage challenge’
Each year, around 100,000 federal employees leave their jobs, whether through retirement or career changes. But this year, the number is already much higher in just three months. Many of these workers had access to sensitive data, including intelligence operations, military secrets, and personal information about American citizens.
John Schindler, a former counterintelligence official, told AP, “This information is highly valuable, and it shouldn’t be surprising that Russia and China and other organisations — criminal syndicates, for instance — would be aggressively recruiting government employees.”
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Risks beyond intelligence agencies
While intelligence officers are obvious targets, national security experts warn that other government workers could also pose a risk. Agencies such as the Office of the US Trade Representative and the Department of Energy handle critical data, including trade negotiations and nuclear secrets.
According to Frank Montoya Jr., a former senior FBI official, employees from agencies like the IRS or Social Services who have access to sensitive information pose a significant threat, particularly if they are upset with the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). “They actually are the bigger risk,” Montoya told the Associated Press (AP), highlighting the potential dangers of intellectual property theft and access to critical infrastructure.
DOGE refers to Musk’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency, which is leading the overhaul of federal agencies.
‘It only takes one’
Hory has shown how dangerous a single informant can be. FBI agent Robert Hanssen and CIA officer Aldrich Ames both leaked American intelligence to Russia, causing serious harm. Hanssen’s actions even led to the execution of US informants in Russia.Story continues below this ad
Schindler warned, “Someone is going to go rogue. It’s just a question of how bad it will be.”
Online recruitment is easier than ever
In the past, foreign spies had to wait for potential informants to approach them. Now, the internet makes recruitment much easier. Websites like LinkedIn allow adversaries to quickly find laid-off federal employees who might be looking for work.
Schindler explained, “You go on LinkedIn, you see someone who was formerly at the Department of Defence now looking for work, and it’s like, ‘Bingo.’”
Some foreign agents may even pose as recruiters, offering fake consulting jobs to former government workers who might unknowingly provide valuable information.Story continues below this ad
‘Be on high alert’
Theresa Payton, a former White House chief information officer under President George W. Bush, told AP that all former government employees should be cautious. “Be on high alert,” she advised.
Meanwhile, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced plans to investigate leaks within the intelligence community, although her focus is on those passing information to the press rather than foreign governments.
Despite the concerns, national security experts note that the vast majority of federal employees are loyal patriots who would never betray their country. However, with so many leaving at once, the risks of espionage are increasing.
(Inputs from Associated Press)
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