The White House has proposed a 17% reduction to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) budget in its Fiscal Year 2026 spending plan. The proposed $491 million cut would reduce funding from approximately $3 billion and would affect several programs, including those related to disinformation and international engagement.

According to a letter sent by Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to Congress, the proposal aims to streamline the agency’s operations and eliminate what the administration described as “redundant” or “non-core” programs.

These include efforts to counter misinformation, external engagement offices, and various advisory roles.

Why It Matters: CISA plays a central role in securing federal networks and collaborating with critical infrastructure partners. The proposed budget changes would reorient the agency’s mission, potentially reshaping its approach to election security, misinformation, and international cooperation ahead of the 2026 fiscal year.

• $491 Million Proposed Budget Cut: The administration’s proposal would reduce CISA’s budget by 17%, cutting approximately $491 million. The plan focuses on consolidating programs and prioritizing what the administration describes as CISA’s core responsibilities: protecting federal systems and coordinating with critical infrastructure.

• Targeted Program Areas: The proposed cuts include eliminating CISA’s work on countering mis- and disinformation and removing external engagement functions, including international affairs. These components have supported public awareness, global collaboration, and election security.

• Budget Justification from OMB: The proposal, outlined in a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, frames the cuts as part of broader efforts to improve fiscal discipline and reduce perceived inefficiencies. It also refers to the consolidation of similar efforts already occurring at state and federal levels.

• Clarification on Disinformation Spending: According to prior testimony from CISA officials, programs focused on mis- and disinformation represented a small portion of the agency’s overall budget, less than $2 million. The proposed reduction would fully remove these programs.

• Internal Agency Response: Acting CISA Director Bridget Bean told staff the agency would focus on “core mission functions” under the revised budget. She emphasized the agency’s statutory mandates and the need to concentrate on essential national, homeland, and cybersecurity responsibilities.

Go Deeper -> Trump administration proposes $491M cut to CISA in 2026 budget plan – SiliconANGLE

Trump proposes major cut to CISA’s budget, citing false ‘censorship’ claims – Cybersecurity Dive