In late January, the NBC News broadcaster reported that the Trump administration offered an eight-month severance package to government employees who agree to resign voluntarily. Up to 10% of US officials were reportedly expected to accept the offer, saving the government billions of dollars.
An adviser to CIA Director John Ratcliffe said the agency was also pausing hiring of applicants who had already received conditional offers, the report added. The adviser noted that some offers would likely be rescinded if the candidates did not have the right experience for the agency's new goals, which include countering China.