The mass firings of federal workers present an unprecedented opportunity for U.S. adversaries to recruit informants, national security and intelligence experts say.

Summary

Experts warn that mass federal worker firings under Trump’s government overhaul could pose major national security risks.

Thousands of laid-off workers with insider knowledge may become targets for foreign adversaries like Russia and China.

Counterespionage challenges increase as sensitive data from various agencies, including the Pentagon and Department of Energy, becomes vulnerable.

Intelligence and cybersecurity experts caution that foreign entities may exploit job-seeking ex-employees via fake job ads or consultancy offers.

The Director of National Intelligence plans to investigate leaks but has not addressed counterespionage risks directly.