Trump Urges New Intelligence Director to Downsize Office Further

Aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump expressed his desire for the new acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, to further reduce the office’s size. This comes after significant cuts during Trump’s second term. He stated, “The size of the office has been way too high for way too long.”

Trump expressed confidence in Pulte’s abilities during a journey to Wisconsin for an agricultural event. “He’ll do a very good job,” Trump assured reporters, describing Pulte as talented.

Bill Pulte, who has previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency, lacks direct national security experience. The President has tasked Pulte with initiating employee dismissals to streamline operations. Trump believes some personnel, particularly those from previous Democratic administrations, should be removed.

The President highlighted the goal of making the office smaller, stating, “I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there.” Trump also remarked that Pulte, with his support, could manage significant changes, easing the burden on Pulte’s eventual successor.

However, Pulte’s appointment has faced opposition in the Senate. The temporary position has complicated the renewal of a national security surveillance program, as Democrats express distrust in Pulte’s capability to handle such responsibilities.

Trump mentioned that Pulte would remain in the role until a permanent successor is confirmed. The President is considering five candidates, though he did not disclose their names. He described them as respected and familiar to the public.

Previously, under Tulsi Gabbard, the DNI office began efforts to reduce its size. In August, the Trump administration announced a budget cut exceeding $700 million annually, with a corresponding workforce reduction of around 40%. Gabbard had referred to the office as “bloated and inefficient.” Gabbard stepped down last month due to her husband’s cancer diagnosis.