The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has abruptly terminated all advisory committees, disrupting decades of institutional expertise and halting a critical investigation into a massive Chinese-linked cyberattack targeting U.S. telecom companies. Acting DHS Secretary Benjamin C. Huffman announced the decision in a memo dated January 20, citing the department’s commitment to resource efficiency and prioritizing national security.
In his memo, Huffman directed the immediate termination of all advisory committee memberships. These panels, which previously offered guidance on issues such as emergency preparedness, critical infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, were instrumental in shaping policy and strategy within DHS. Among the terminated groups is the Cyber Safety Review Board, a key body investigating the Chinese cyberespionage operation known as "Salt Typhoon."
Salt Typhoon, described by lawmakers as one of the most destructive telecom breaches in U.S. history, compromised metadata from hundreds of thousands of Americans. It also targeted high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The operation's disruption raises concerns about national security, with critics questioning the rationale behind DHS’s move.
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon called the decision to disband the Cyber Safety Review Board a “gift to Chinese spies.” He criticized DHS for halting an active investigation into a breach of this magnitude, saying the move undermines national cybersecurity efforts. Wyden accused DHS of “waving a white flag” to foreign adversaries and jeopardizing the country’s ability to prevent future attacks.
The Homeland Security Advisory Council, another disbanded panel, included influential members such as former DHS secretaries, DEA administrators, Fortune 500 CEOs, and law enforcement leaders. Huffman encouraged former members to reapply for future roles, stating that new committee activities would align with DHS’s strategic priorities to protect the homeland.
The sudden termination of these advisory boards raises questions about DHS's future approach to national security issues. Critics warn that dismantling experienced panels could weaken the department’s ability to respond to evolving threats, including cyberattacks and natural disasters. Additionally, the timing of this decision, amid an ongoing cybersecurity crisis, has fueled speculation about potential political or resource-driven motives.
What do you think about DHS’s decision to disband its advisory committees? Should cybersecurity and national security panels have been prioritized? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
