The Trump administration has cut funding for two key cybersecurity initiatives, including one supporting election security, sparking concerns over potential vulnerabilities in future US elections.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced it would end around$10 million in annual funding to the non-profit Center for Internet Security, which manages election-related cybersecurity programmes.

However, this move comes as part of a broader review of CISA's election-related work, during which over a dozen staff members were placed on administrative leave.

The decision follows another controversial step by the administration to dismantle an FBI task force that investigated foreign influence in US elections.

Critics warn that reducing government involvement in election security weakens safeguards against interference, with Larry Norden from the Brennan Center for Justice calling the cuts a serious risk for state and local election officials.

The National Association of Secretaries of State is now seeking clarification on CISA's decision and its wider implications.

CISA has faced Republican criticism in recent years for its role in countering misinformation related to the 2020 election and the coronavirus pandemic. However, previous leadership maintained that the agency's work was limited to assisting states in identifying and addressing misinformation.

While CISA argues the funding cuts will streamline its focus on critical security areas, concerns remain over the potential impact on election integrity and cybersecurity protections across local and state governments.