WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Large-scale workforce cuts have started at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, marking a major shift in President Donald Trump’s intelligence leadership strategy.
The job reductions began Monday under acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, according to a source familiar with the matter. The source described the move as the start of efforts to reduce what supporters of the administration call the “deep state” within the federal government.
Several political appointees linked to former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were among the first employees to lose their jobs, according to multiple sources. Some of those workers had already left the building by Tuesday.
The firings followed reports that Pulte planned significant staff reductions across the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, commonly known as ODNI. Sources previously told CNN that the acting director was considering cutting hundreds of positions.
Pulte took an active role immediately after his appointment. Last week, he arrived at the office a day before officially assuming the position. Sources said he requested a complete list of employees and met with lawyers and staff members to review personnel matters.
The administration has presented the cuts as part of a broader effort to streamline government operations. President Trump recently signaled support for reducing the size of the intelligence office.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced Pulte’s appointment and directed him to carry out what he described as a necessary downsizing effort. Trump said the plan would return some personnel to their original agencies within the intelligence community.
However, the workforce reductions have sparked concern among congressional Democrats. On Monday, top Democrats on the Senate and House Intelligence Committees sent a letter to Pulte warning about the potential impact of large-scale job cuts.
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia and Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut expressed concern over reports that hundreds of ODNI employees could lose their positions or face administrative leave. They argued that major staffing reductions could weaken an agency created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to improve intelligence coordination and prevent future threats.
The lawmakers acknowledged that limited workforce adjustments could be appropriate. However, they cautioned against rapid cuts without a thorough review of national security risks.
They also questioned whether Pulte had enough time and experience within the intelligence community to make informed decisions about restructuring the agency. In their letter, they urged him to avoid significant organizational changes while serving in an acting role and encouraged consultation with Congress before moving forward.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains about the full scope of the reductions. Earlier reports suggested that the National Counterterrorism Center and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center could face substantial cuts. Yet a source familiar with the matter said Tuesday that the National Counterterrorism Center had not been affected by the initial firings.
In addition, sources said ODNI offices received instructions to rank employees by Monday. Observers viewed the request as part of a broader review process tied to the planned workforce reductions.
Pulte now oversees 18 intelligence agencies as the acting director of national intelligence. His appointment surprised some lawmakers and administration allies. It also disrupted efforts on Capitol Hill to quickly confirm Jay Clayton for the position permanently.
Trump has indicated that Pulte’s role will be temporary. Still, the administration has not provided a timeline for selecting a permanent intelligence chief.
The leadership transition has also highlighted changes inside the agency. According to sources, photographs of Gabbard that previously appeared throughout ODNI headquarters in northern Virginia were removed by Monday. Her husband, a photographer, had taken the images during her tenure.
