Trump Supports Workforce Cuts at ODNI Under Pulte

President Donald Trump expressed support for incoming acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to reduce the workforce of the intelligence community. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump stated, "I wouldn’t mind if he cut. It’s been high for way too long." He added that Pulte would monitor the workforce size closely and mentioned he has five candidates for the permanent DNI position following Tulsi Gabbard's departure. Trump indicated he has asked the Federal Housing Finance Agency director to initiate the process of reducing the number of employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which currently has a workforce of 1,800, reduced by 30% during Gabbard's tenure. Concerns remain among lawmakers that Pulte's appointment may politicize the DNI role, especially following his previous actions involving allegations against several public officials. Critics from within the Republican party have described the DNI office as inefficient, citing duplication of efforts with other agencies and recent leaks from within the organization.