Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has taken immediate steps that could result in hundreds of layoffs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, according to reporting that cited two people familiar with the matter.
Sources said Pulte turned up at ODNI one day earlier than planned on Thursday after requesting a complete roster of agency personnel so he could evaluate who might be dismissed. During the visit he met with lawyers and staffers, the report added. The office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Donald Trump appointed Pulte - a federal housing regulator - as acting director earlier this month. The appointment elevated a political loyalist with no national security experience to oversee the sprawling U.S. intelligence community at a moment described in the report as a time of war and global tensions. The acting director would have responsibility for the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, among other agencies.
Pulte's appearance at ODNI reportedly surprised many staffers, including outgoing Director Tulsi Gabbard, who was given only brief notice of the visit. Gabbard resigned from the role last month and her final day in office is June 19.
Earlier this month, reporting indicated that managers had warned ODNI employees to expect substantial cuts in the coming months after President Trump said he wanted the interim director to shrink the agency's ranks. The report noted that Gabbard has already reduced the agency's workforce by roughly 40% since assuming the position last year.
Context and next steps
The steps taken by Pulte - arriving early, requesting a full employee list and meeting with legal and staff personnel - point to a personnel review that could precede significant reductions in staff. The reporting cites unnamed sources for several of these details. The office's lack of an immediate response leaves aspects of the review and any planned actions unclear.
What is known from the reporting
- Pulte requested a list of every ODNI employee to assess potential firings.
- He visited the office one day before his official start and met with lawyers and staffers.
- The acting director was appointed earlier this month and will oversee agencies including the CIA and NSA.