President Donald Trump said he wants acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to reduce the size of the nation’s intelligence bureaucracy and begin removing officials he believes should no longer serve in key positions across federal agencies.
In comments reported this week, Trump said he wants Pulte to oversee efforts to streamline the intelligence community, which includes 18 agencies and organizations under the authority of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
“I’d like to see it smaller,” Trump said. “I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there.”
Pulte assumed the role of acting director following the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Because he is serving in an acting capacity, Pulte does not require immediate Senate confirmation under federal vacancy rules.
Trump indicated that Pulte’s temporary status could allow him to begin organizational changes before a permanent nominee is selected.
The president said he wants Pulte to “start the process” of reducing the size of intelligence agencies and reviewing personnel across the federal intelligence apparatus.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence coordinates intelligence activities across agencies including the CIA, FBI, National Security Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency.
As acting DNI, Pulte oversees intelligence coordination and budget planning involving more than $100 billion in annual intelligence spending.
The position also carries authority over classification and declassification reviews involving intelligence records.
Trump said he would like additional classified materials related to the 2020 election and claims of voter fraud to be reviewed for possible public release.
“I would say everything — he should look at everything and make a determination,” Trump said.
Pulte previously served as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency before being elevated to the intelligence position.
His appointment drew criticism from some lawmakers and observers who questioned his intelligence experience, while supporters argued that his management background could help implement reforms.
The White House has not released a detailed timetable for any personnel reductions or restructuring efforts.
It also remains unclear how many positions could be affected or whether any dismissals have already occurred.
A spokesperson for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said the agency looks forward to working with Pulte and the administration on initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The statement also referenced efforts to address what administration officials have described as “deep state” influence within parts of the federal government.
Trump has frequently criticized intelligence agencies dating back to his first term in office, arguing that portions of the intelligence community became politicized and worked against his administration.
Supporters of the president have long called for significant reforms within federal intelligence agencies. At the same time, critics argue that large-scale personnel purges could disrupt national security operations and undermine institutional expertise, per the Daily Mail.
Pulte’s appointment comes during a period of leadership transition within the intelligence community following Gabbard’s departure.
Gabbard resigned after citing family circumstances related to her husband’s health.
The administration has not yet announced a permanent nominee to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
For now, Pulte will oversee intelligence operations and policy coordination while the White House considers a long-term replacement.
