US cyber policy goals have regressed during Trump 2.0 in 'unprecedented setback,' landmark report says

"The findings recommend the Trump administration restore workforce and funding to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and cyber diplomacy staff within the State Department, both of which have been marked by significant cuts. The report also contends that the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the second Trump administration have slowed the intake of skilled job candidates from nontraditional backgrounds, narrowing the government's cyber talent pool."

"Among the most grievous setbacks includes government work on countering disinformation and foreign malign influence, especially within the Department of Homeland Security, where CISA is housed. The Trump administration has framed that work largely as a censorship regime that's suppressed Americans' First Amendment rights. Cyber foreign assistance - a core aspect of State Department operations and work under the now defunct U.S. Agency for International Development - has also regressed significantly, the report concludes."

Federal cyber policy posture has regressed roughly 13% from prior advances, representing the first major reversal since the commission's creation. Workforce reductions, office closures, and broader government reorganization efforts have hollowed out federal cyber capacity. Nearly a quarter of fully implemented recommendations have lost that status, underscoring fragility of progress. Significant cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and State Department cyber diplomacy staff have reduced capability and funding. Rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have slowed intake of skilled candidates from nontraditional backgrounds, narrowing the talent pool. Counter-disinformation efforts and cyber foreign assistance have suffered notable setbacks.

Read at Nextgov.com