Acting US spy chief Bill Pulte seeks to lay off hundreds of staff, seeks full staff list: Report | Today’s news
Acting US intelligence chief Bill Pulte is reportedly planning to make significant staff cuts at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), according to a CNN report.
As Pulte prepares to take over oversight of the broader US intelligence community, he is said to be considering eliminating hundreds of positions.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, CNN reported that Pulte, currently the federal housing regulator and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, arrived at the agency a day before he officially took charge. He reportedly requested a full staff list to evaluate staffing levels and determine which positions could potentially be eliminated.
According to a Reuters report, Democrat Jim Himes, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said the report, if true, shows why Pulte “should never spend a minute as Director of National Intelligence, a role he is not legally qualified to serve.”
“Mr. Pulte should expect the intelligence committee to carefully scrutinize any actions he takes in what should be a very short time in this role, including any personnel decisions or declassifications,” Himes added in a statement, according to Reuters.
Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence
US President Donald Trump named Bill Pulte acting director of national intelligence earlier this month, bringing in a trusted political ally with no previous national security experience at a time of heightened international conflict and geopolitical uncertainty.
The appointment drew criticism and prompted Trump to nominate Jay Clayton, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, to the position permanently. But Trump cast doubt on Clayton’s prospects on Wednesday by unexpectedly delaying his Senate hearing, reportedly as part of an effort to push Congress to pass stricter voter ID legislation.
ODNI oversees the premier foreign spy service, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency, a massive agency that eavesdrops on foreign communications and helps defend the United States against cyberattacks. Pulte is being replaced by Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned from her job last month.
Her last day in office is Friday.
CNN reported that Pulte’s visit to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on Thursday surprised many employees, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who was reportedly given only limited notice.
The development comes after Reuters reported earlier this month that staff at the country’s top intelligence service had been warned by managers to expect substantial staff cuts in the coming months. The warning followed comments by President Donald Trump that indicated he wanted interim intelligence chief Bill Pulte to significantly shrink the agency.
Gabbard has already reduced the agency’s workforce by roughly 40% since taking the position last year.
(With input from agencies)
