Acting Director of National Intelligence William Pulte has declared the completion of a fourth series of layoffs within his office. He stated, “Since becoming Acting Director of National Intelligence, our team has been smartly, and carefully, reducing the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, refocusing ODNI on national security, the law, and the statute.” This announcement was shared via a post on X.
Pulte’s leadership began under the appointment of President Donald Trump, who had previously informed Pulte of his views that the ODNI was “unnecessary and/or too big.” In a report by the Wall Street Journal, Trump expressed a desire to see the agency scaled down, pointing to leftovers from the Obama and Biden administrations.
Pulte mentioned earlier in July that U.S. National Intelligence was functioning more efficiently, with reductions in redundant or non-critical personnel. He emphasized a future focus on legal compliance and statutory obligations.
Prior to Pulte’s role, Tulsi Gabbard served as DNI. She left the position last month due to her husband’s medical condition. During her tenure, she participated in a House Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats in March 2026.
President Trump selected Pulte, who also heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting DNI. He later nominated Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for the permanent DNI role.
Pulte expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as acting DNI, acknowledging significant accomplishments in operational efficiency and transparency during his brief tenure. He shared these reflections in a personal post, thanking the President for his support.