Trump Pushes for Major Workforce Reduction at U.S. Intelligence Office as Leadership Transition Begins
President Donald Trump has signaled a major push to reduce the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), urging incoming acting director Bill Pulte to begin what he described as a broad effort to cut staff and streamline operations within the U.S. intelligence structure.
In remarks given during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, President Trump stated that the ODNI has become “unnecessary and/or too big,” suggesting that the agency may need significant restructuring. He called on Bill Pulte to “start the process” of reducing personnel, saying that many positions within the office were no longer needed.
The ODNI, which coordinates activities across 18 intelligence agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, plays a central role in overseeing the U.S. intelligence community. Trump indicated that his goal is to make the organization more efficient, arguing that a smaller structure would function better.
According to Trump, the incoming acting director is expected to take on the role temporarily while a permanent replacement is confirmed by the Senate. He also confirmed that Tulsi Gabbard is expected to step down by the end of June, citing her husband’s serious health condition.
Trump further explained that Pulte’s appointment is intended as a transitional move while the administration evaluates long-term leadership options. He said he has been interviewing potential candidates, including individuals from both business and political backgrounds, though he did not disclose names.
During the interview, Trump compared the proposed restructuring of the intelligence office to changes made in other federal departments, stating that similar downsizing efforts had already been applied elsewhere in government. He suggested that the intelligence office could follow the same direction, emphasizing efficiency and reduced bureaucracy.
The move has drawn sharp reactions from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Mark Warner criticized the decision, arguing that the selection process raises concerns about experience and independence in national security roles. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also described Pulte as lacking relevant experience, warning that such decisions could weaken national security. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries similarly expressed concern about the appointment.
On the Republican side, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he had only recently learned of the changes and would seek more information before forming a final position. However, Vice President JD Vance supported the move, stating that intelligence leadership should be more responsive to elected officials.
Pulte himself has recently been a controversial figure in political circles, having previously issued criminal referrals involving several Democratic officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff, allegations that have been strongly denied by those involved.
The proposal comes at a time of transition within the intelligence community, with leadership changes and political debate intensifying over the direction and independence of federal intelligence agencies. Trump’s comments suggest that further restructuring decisions could follow once permanent leadership is confirmed.
