President Donald Trump has directed acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to downsize the nation’s intelligence bureaucracy and remove career employees from previous administrations.
Pulte’s appointment followed Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation and allows him to serve without Senate confirmation under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. The arrangement grants him authority over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and its 18 oversight agencies, including the FBI and CIA.
Trump’s Vision for the Intelligence Community
Trump told The Wall Street Journal he wants the intelligence apparatus reduced in size. “I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there,” Trump said.
The president emphasized that Pulte’s temporary status provides operational advantages. “You’re less shackled,” Trump said. “It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time.”
Trump suggested that major personnel and structural changes under Pulte could streamline the transition to a permanent intelligence director. “Frankly, it might be good for him to shake it up before people come,” Trump said.
Pulte’s Expanded Authority
As acting DNI, Pulte oversees approximately $100 billion in annual spending and delivers classified intelligence briefings to the president. He holds broad authority over classified information and potential declassification decisions.
Trump indicated he wants Pulte to review classified records related to the 2020 election. “I would say everything-he should look at everything and make a determination,” Trump said.
Pulte previously served as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and has emerged as a trusted Trump administration official. A businessman and social media personality, he reportedly pursued the intelligence position following Gabbard’s departure.
Administration Reform Efforts
The appointment aligns with Trump’s broader initiative to reduce federal workforce size and increase accountability across the executive branch. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence signaled support for the effort, stating the agency looks forward to “rooting out deep state bad actors.”
Critics have raised concerns about placing someone without traditional intelligence experience in charge of national security agencies. Democrats have questioned whether a temporary appointee should wield such authority over institutions central to protecting the country.
Supporters counter that significant reform is necessary within the intelligence community and that an outsider is better positioned to challenge entrenched bureaucratic culture.
This story has been updated. CNN’s team contributed to this report.
