Trump moves to slash intelligence office ahead of permanent chief's arrival

By Fox News · Fox News

President Donald Trump said he wants soon-to-be acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to begin shrinking the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) before a permanent nominee takes over — signaling a potentially aggressive effort to reduce the size of the agency responsible for coordinating the nation's intelligence community. Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he has privately instructed Pulte to begin what he described as a broader effort to streamline ODNI , calling the office "unnecessary and/or too big" and saying he wants the acting intelligence chief to "start the process" of reducing personnel before a permanent director is confirmed. "I'd like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn't be there," Trump said, pointing to holdovers from the Obama and Biden administrations. Asked whether he wants Pulte to fire employees, Trump said he wants the acting intelligence chief to "start the process," adding that his eventual nominee to permanently lead the office should continue that work. TRUMP NAMES BILL PULTE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard abruptly announced her resignation May 22, effective June 30, citing her husband's bone cancer diagnosis. The president named Pulte, who currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to the acting role in early June. Because the position is temporary, Pulte does not require Senate confirmation and can serve for up to 210 days. Trump suggested Pulte's acting status could make it easier for him to carry out changes before a permanent director is confirmed. "You're less shackled," Trump said. "It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time." The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's questions on whether Pulte would be put up for confirmation as permanent director of national intelligence. SENATE PUSH TO REAUTHORIZE NATION’S SPY POWERS STUM…