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Trump Advocates for Downsizing Intelligence Agency Under New Acting Director Bill Pulte
Trump pushes Bill Pulte to cut intel workforce, says ‘too many people’
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
President Donald Trump has urged Bill Pulte, the incoming acting Director of National Intelligence, to reduce staffing levels within the intelligence agency, claiming there are 'too many people' employed. Pulte is expected to take over after Tulsi Gabbard's departure on June 30, aiming to restructure the agency swiftly.
- 01Trump expressed a desire for a smaller intelligence agency, stating, 'I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there.'
- 02Bill Pulte, currently director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, will replace Tulsi Gabbard as acting DNI on June 30.
- 03Pulte's temporary appointment is seen as an opportunity for quick restructuring before a permanent DNI is appointed.
- 04Gabbard's tenure included a reported 40% reduction in staff, although specific details of those cuts have not been disclosed.
- 05Critics have raised concerns about Pulte's suitability for the intelligence role due to his background in housing finance.
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President Donald Trump has called for a reduction in staffing levels within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), stating that there are 'too many people' working there. He made these comments during an interview with the Wall Street Journal, where he discussed the upcoming appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence, set to take over from Tulsi Gabbard on June 30. Trump believes Pulte's temporary role will allow him to make necessary changes more freely before a permanent director is appointed. He emphasized the need for swift restructuring, suggesting that Pulte could initiate downsizing efforts immediately. Gabbard, during her tenure, reportedly oversaw a 40% staff reduction, though the specifics of these cuts remain unclear. Pulte's appointment has faced criticism due to his lack of experience in national security and intelligence, raising questions about the appropriateness of a business executive leading the intelligence community.
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The restructuring of the ODNI could affect employment levels and operational efficiency within the intelligence community.
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More about Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Treasury Secretary Bessent Discusses Confrontation with FHFA Director Pulte During Senate Testimony
The Hill • Jun 4, 2026
CIA Halts Intelligence Sharing Amid Internal Dispute with ODNI
Firstpost • Jun 3, 2026
Trump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence Following Gabbard's Resignation
The Independent • Jun 2, 2026
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