Trump Urges Cuts in National Intelligence Office Amid Criticism of New Director
Trump directs acting intelligence chief to cut staff amid criticism over Pulte pick
Kcra
Image: Kcra
President Donald Trump has directed Bill Pulte, the acting director of national intelligence, to reduce staff numbers in the office, facing criticism for Pulte's lack of national security experience. This comes as the Senate blocks an extension of a key surveillance program.
- 01Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the current staffing levels of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, suggesting cuts are necessary.
- 02Bill Pulte's appointment as acting director has faced bipartisan criticism due to his lack of national security experience.
- 03Senator Mark Warner highlighted concerns about Pulte's qualifications, questioning his basic security clearance.
- 04The Senate blocked a procedural vote to extend a national security surveillance program, which Pulte would help administer, amid ongoing negotiations for reforms.
- 05Trump is considering five other candidates for the permanent director position, following Tulsi Gabbard's resignation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
President Donald Trump has instructed Bill Pulte, the acting director of national intelligence, to reduce the size of the office, citing excessive staffing levels. This directive comes amid backlash against Pulte's appointment, as he lacks any known national security experience. Critics, including Senator Mark Warner, have expressed concerns about Pulte's qualifications for such a crucial role, questioning whether he possesses even a basic security clearance. Trump's decision to appoint Pulte has delayed the renewal of a national security surveillance program, which allows intelligence agencies to collect communications from foreign targets without a warrant. The Senate recently blocked an extension of this program, with a vote expected next week before it expires on June 12. Trump has also indicated he is interviewing five other candidates to permanently fill the position, previously held by Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned due to personal reasons. The ongoing discussions around the surveillance program highlight the tension between national security needs and civil liberties, as critics call for reforms to protect American communications.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The decision to cut staff in the intelligence office may affect the effectiveness of national security operations.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence?
Connecting to poll...
More about Office of the Director of National Intelligence

Trump Advocates for Downsizing Intelligence Agency Under New Acting Director Bill Pulte
Hindustan Times • Jun 5, 2026

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
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




