The incident involved acting CISA director Madhu Gottumukkala, who requested special approval from the agency’s Office of the Chief Information Officer to use ChatGPT shortly after joining CISA in May, at a time when the tool remained blocked for most DHS employees. Politico reported that then-acting DHS general counsel Joseph Mazzara and DHS chief information officer Antoine McCord were involved in assessing potential risks. Gottumukkala also met with CISA CIO Robert Costello and chief counsel Spencer Fisher in August to discuss proper handling of sensitive material. McCarthy further stated, “Acting Director Dr Madhu Gottumukkala last used ChatGPT in mid-July 2025 under an authorised temporary exception granted to some employees. Earlier this summer, at least six career employees were placed on leave following an “unsanctioned” counterintelligence polygraph requested by Gottumukkala.