Trump orders interim DNI Bill Poult to slash US intelligence staff

President Donald Trump told acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Poult to start removing a large number of employees across the U.S. intelligence community. Trump described the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as “redundant or too big” and said he wants it “smaller”. Poult, who temporarily replaced Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines after her resignation, was appointed without Senate confirmation and can serve for up to 210 days. Trump said the interim status gives Poult more flexibility to “cut down” the workforce and that any permanent successor must continue the reductions.

The directive was made during a press briefing at the White House, where Trump emphasized the need for a leaner intelligence apparatus and suggested that many current staff members are unnecessary.