Trump wants Bill Pulte to fire big chunk of national intelligence office staff: WSJ
Trump has expressed a desire for Bill Pulte to initiate staff reductions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Following significant cuts made by the current DNI, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump aims for further reductions under his future nominee. Pulte's controversial past, including criminal referrals against political figures, raises concerns about his suitability for the role.
- ▪The DNI's office had about 1,800 employees when Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.
- ▪Gabbard cut nearly 30% of the DNI's staff and plans further reductions.
- ▪Trump wants Pulte to begin trimming the DNI office staff and expects his nominee to continue this effort.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
When Trump reentered the White House for a second term in January 2025, the DNI's office had about 1,800 employees, according to Federal News Network.After being confirmed by the Senate as DNI, Gabbard cut nearly 30% of the office's staff, the office said in a fact sheet issued in August 2025, which detailed her plans to make further reductions in head count. Trump told the Journal he wants Pulte to "start the process" of trimming DNI office staff, and that his eventual nominee for DNI should continue that effort.While Pulte's lack of obvious practical experience for the DNI has been a major source of concern for critics of his appointment, another factor has been his aggressiveness in targeting people who have angered Trump.Pulte last year made criminal referrals of alleged mortgage…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CNBC — Top.
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