How Trump is Hacking Away at U.S. Cyber Defenses

President Donald Trump's second administration is embarking on a radical overhaul of the country's cyber defenses, leaving experts and lawmakers concerned about the consequences for national security.

The drastic changes being made to the nation's cyber playbook have resulted in the departure or demotion of several high-ranking officials, including key players at the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cyber Command. The departures come as severe cyberattacks continue to plague the country, with incidents like the recent "Volt Typhoon" attack leaving experts warning of a growing threat landscape.

Moreover, lawmakers, former officials, and cyber professionals are sounding the alarm about the sweeping cuts being made to the nation's cyber defenses. "There are intrusions happening now that we either will never know about or won't see for years because our adversaries are undoubtedly stepping up their activity," says Jeff Greene, a cybersecurity expert who has held top roles at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the White House.

"A shrinking, distracted workforce" is another concern being raised by experts. With key personnel leaving or being demoted, many believe that the country's ability to respond to emerging threats will be severely compromised.

The cuts are also taking a toll on the nation's election defenses, with lawmakers expressing alarm about the potential for cyber attacks to disrupt the voting process. "The situation is becoming increasingly dire," says a former senior official at CISA, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the concerns about Trump's cyber policies.

Meanwhile, trade tensions between the US and its adversaries continue to escalate, leaving many wondering if the country's cyber defenses are being used as leverage in these negotiations. "We're seeing a deliberate weakening of our cybersecurity posture," says another expert, who believes that this move could embolden our enemies and make us more vulnerable to attack.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve at an alarming rate, one thing is clear: the Trump administration's cyber policies are leaving many experts worried about the future of US national security.