The cuts will be reportedly made within a few years and will be achieved by reducing hiring rather than layoffs.

According to the Washington Post, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is planning to make massive cuts in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other major U.S. spy units as part of his reduction of major government agencies.

The report reported on Friday that the CIA plans to cut 1,200 positions, as well as thousands in other parts of the U.S. intelligence community.

Members of Congress will reportedly be informed of planned cuts that will be done within a few years and in part by reducing recruitment rather than layoffs.

When asked about the report, the agency's spokesman did not confirm specific details, but CIA Director John Ratcliffe acted quickly to ensure that the CIA's workforce responded to the government's national security priorities."

The spokesperson also said: “These moves are part of an overall strategy that aim to provide new energy to the agency, provide opportunities for leaders to emerge and better bring the CIA to its mission.”

Trump-appointed man Ratcliffe, who was sworn in in January, had previously told lawmakers that under his leadership, the agency would “conduct insightful, objective, full-source analysis and never allow political or personal bias to cast a shadow on our judgment or infect our products.”

“No matter how dark or difficult it is, we gather intelligence in every corner of the world and take secret actions in the direction of the president, and no one else can do anything else can do” he said.

Speaking to CIA officials, he said: "If all of this sounds like what you're registering, buckle and be ready to make a difference. If not, then you should find a new job."

In March, the CIA also announced that it would fire uncertain junior officials as part of the Trump administration's policy to reduce the scale.

An agent spokesman said officials who had behavioral problems or who believed it was not suitable for intelligence work would be fired, noting that not everyone has proven able to cope with the pressure of the work.

In February, the CIA also offered acquisitions to some employees. It is not clear how many employees have accepted the offer.