The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is undergoing a wave of staff reductions under the leadership of acting director Bill Pulte, a Trump loyalist who lacks intelligence experience. According to a source familiar with the matter, this wave of firings began on Monday. Pulte took over the agency last Friday, with Monday marking only his second full day on the job.
They are concerned about the impact of his actions on the ODNI's crucial role in coordinating the 18 organizations that make up the intelligence community.
While it remains unclear how many jobs have been affected so far, sources informed ABC News that the National Counterterrorism Center was expected to be hit hard by these staff reductions. ODNI has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the White House has referred inquiries to ODNI.
President Trump has been vocal about his desire for downsizing at ODNI, stating that the size of the agency has been "way too high for way too long." He has made it clear that he supports Pulte's actions, having said earlier this month that he wanted Pulte to "start the process" of firing ODNI personnel. Trump also mentioned in an interview that Pulte's role as acting director would be "less shackled" in making such changes.
The White House has pointed to Trump's social media post earlier this month, where he asked Pulte to "execute the immediate and needed downsizing of the office."
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is undergoing a wave of staff reductions under the leadership of acting director Bill Pulte, a Trump loyalist who lacks intelligence experience. According to a source familiar with the matter, this wave of firings began on Monday. Pulte took over the agency last Friday, with Monday marking only his second full day on the job.
Democrats in the intelligence community have cautioned Pulte against carrying out sweeping dismissals or improperly declassifying intelligence. They are concerned about the impact of his actions on the ODNI's crucial role in coordinating the 18 organizations that make up the intelligence community. The Hill reported that this move could potentially make America less safe by undermining ODNI's necessary function.
While it remains unclear how many jobs have been affected so far, sources informed ABC News that the National Counterterrorism Center is expected to be significantly impacted by these staff reductions. ODNI has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the White House has referred inquiries to ODNI.
President Trump has been vocal about his desire for downsizing at ODNI, stating that the size of the agency has been "way too high for way too long." He has made it clear that he supports Pulte's actions, having said earlier this month that he wanted Pulte to "start the process" of firing ODNI personnel. Trump also mentioned in an interview that Pulte's role as acting director would be "less shackled" in making such changes.
The White House has pointed to Trump's social media post earlier this month, where he asked Pulte to "execute the immediate and needed downsizing of the office." This directive, along with Pulte's actions, signals a significant shift in the administration's approach to the intelligence community, with potential consequences for national security and the coordination of intelligence efforts across different agencies.
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