Bill Pulte’s appointment triggers expected cuts at U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump has named housing regulator Bill Pulte as interim Director of National Intelligence, prompting staff at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to prepare for “extensive” cuts. Trump told the Wall Street Journal he wants the agency "smaller" and believes many employees "shouldn't be there." Pulte succeeds Tulsi Gabbard, who cut roughly 40% of the workforce during her tenure, though the exact current staffing level is unclear. Employees have been advised that they may not be reassigned to permanent positions and are encouraged to seek outside employment.

The leadership change occurs amid a turf dispute between ODNI and the CIA, which has already reduced collaboration on the National Intelligence Council’s assessments. Republicans, including Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton, have called for downsizing or even abolishing ODNI, while Democrats warn that Pulte’s lack of intelligence experience could further politicize the community and threaten the renewal of the FISA 702 surveillance authority.