US intelligence layoffs: Acting DNI Bill Pulte says 30% workforce reduction underway

Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Bill Pulte announced another round of staff cuts in the US intelligence community on Tuesday (July 28th), saying the latest cuts represent an effort to streamline operations and refocus the agency on protecting Americans.

Pulte said the intelligence community is conducting a fifth and near-final round of layoffs, which he described as approximately a 30% reduction in staffing compared to staffing levels in previous weeks.

In a post on social media platform X Pulte, he wrote: “Good news! In addition to the historic DECLASSIFICATIONS (Transparency!) by the President, this morning we are conducting the 5th and near final round of TERMINATIONS, which is approximately a 30% staff reduction from weeks.”

He added that intelligence services should focus on national security rather than what he called the interests of a “bloated and corrupt elite class.”

“The intelligence community must protect the American people, NOT the political whims of a bloated and corrupt elite class,” Pulte said.

Restructuring the intelligence community

The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues efforts to reshape federal agencies, including intelligence organizations, through staff cuts, restructuring and increased scrutiny of government operations.

Pulte also linked the latest cuts to what he described as a broader transparency effort, pointing to recent declassification moves approved by President Donald Trump.

The acting intelligence chief did not provide details on which agencies were affected, how many employees were laid off in the latest round, or which specific positions were eliminated.

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Bill Pulte’s controversial interim tenure

Pulte took over as acting DNI after the departure of Tulsi Gabbard and has come under scrutiny from lawmakers over his background and actions while running the intelligence community.

Before taking on the intelligence role, Pulte served as a federal housing regulator and was known for investigating those he accused of wrongdoing, including Trump critics.

Senators from both parties have raised concerns about his suitability to oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies.

Pulte publishes election-related intelligence documents

Hours before the Senate voted on Clayton’s nomination, Pulte released 2020 intelligence community documents on social media platform X.

The documents in detail China’s ability to interfere in the US political process and highlighted the vulnerability of electoral systems.

But much of the information was already public knowledge, and the release was seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to raise concerns about election security and the 2020 presidential race.

The Senate is set to confirm Jay Clayton as intelligence chief to replace Bill Pulte

The US Senate is expected to confirm Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Tuesday as the country heads into mid-term elections.

Clayton’s confirmation is expected to come largely along party lines after a contentious nomination hearing that focused heavily on his views on the 2020 presidential election.

The Senate voted 51-43 on Monday to advance Clayton’s nomination, clearing the way for a final confirmation vote.

Clayton, who serves as US attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously headed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is expected to replace Pulte, who has served as acting DNI since former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigned.

Republicans endorsed Clayton, citing his government experience and national security background.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton praised Clayton’s record, describing him as a candidate with experience dealing with a wide range of national security issues.

“Jay Clayton is a highly qualified candidate with deep experience in combating a wide range of national security threats,” Cotton said.

Democrats express concern over pre-election comments

Clayton faced criticism from Democrats during his confirmation hearing after repeatedly refusing to directly state that former President Joe Biden had won the 2020 election.

Instead, Clayton said the election was “certified” for Biden, but avoided explicitly stating that Biden had won.

The issue has become a major point of contention as President Donald Trump continues to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election, even as courts and election officials reject claims of widespread fraud.

Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he was disappointed by Clayton’s answers and announced he would oppose the nomination.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called Clayton’s performance “abysmal” and said it would make Democrats less likely to support him.

But Democrats have indicated they have more confidence in Clayton than in Pulte, who has faced criticism for his lack of intelligence experience.

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