Acting DNI Bill Pulte Announces 30 Percent Staff Reduction Amid Terminations

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has executed his fifth round of terminations, announcing a significant 30 percent reduction in staff. This decision was made public on Tuesday, coinciding with the Senate's progress toward confirming Jay Clayton as President Trump's next DNI. Pulte stated, "The Intelligence Community must protect the American people, NOT the political whims of the bloated and corrupt elite class," highlighting his commitment to reforming the agency.

Pulte's recent actions follow a series of layoffs, including a fourth round announced just days prior, where he noted that the team had been carefully reducing the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to refocus on national security and legal mandates. Last month, he terminated over 50 career intelligence officials, including six political appointees linked to Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte, who also serves as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has been vocal about his mission to streamline the ODNI and enhance its operational effectiveness.