SouthernWorldwide.com – President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to reduce the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) even before a permanent chief is appointed.
Trump stated in an interview that he has privately instructed the soon-to-be acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, to commence efforts to streamline the ODNI.
He described the office as “unnecessary and/or too big” and expressed his desire for the acting intelligence chief to initiate the process of personnel reduction 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 remarked, suggesting that some individuals from previous administrations remain in positions that are no longer needed.
When questioned about whether Pulte should dismiss employees, Trump clarified that he wants the acting intelligence chief to “start the process.” He added that his eventual nominee for the permanent director role should continue this work.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced her unexpected resignation on May 22, with her departure set for June 30. She cited her husband’s diagnosis with bone cancer as the reason for stepping down.
The president appointed Pulte, who currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to the acting DNI position in early June. As an acting role, Pulte does not require Senate confirmation and can serve for up to 210 days.
Trump suggested that Pulte’s temporary status might facilitate the implementation of changes before a permanent director is in place.
“You’re less shackled,” Trump commented. “It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time.”
He further elaborated that it could be beneficial for Pulte to “shake it up” before new leadership arrives. Trump believes that if Pulte, in conjunction with the administration and the potential permanent nominee, can reduce the size of the ODNI, it would allow for much of the “hard work” to be completed.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton has publicly supported this initiative. Cotton has long argued that the ODNI has expanded beyond its initial mandate and has advocated for significant downsizing or even the elimination of the office.
“President Trump is right: the ODNI has grown far beyond its original mandate,” Cotton stated on X. “I’ve long advocated for downsizing, if not outright eliminating, this bureaucracy.”
He added, “Time to return these officers back to their home agencies to focus on actual intelligence work. I support President Trump in this effort.”
The ODNI was established in 2004, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Its creation was aimed at improving collaboration among U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly after intelligence was not adequately shared before the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The office is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies and their components.
Cotton has been a vocal proponent of reducing the size of the ODNI. Earlier in 2026, he introduced legislation proposing to cap the ODNI’s employee count at 650.
At the beginning of the second Trump administration, the ODNI had approximately 1,800 employees. However, outgoing Director of National Intelligence Gabbard has stated that she reduced the workforce by about 25%.
Trump’s recent remarks suggest that the administration might pursue a more extensive restructuring of the ODNI than previously indicated. It appears that Pulte may be tasked with initiating this process before a permanent nominee assumes the role.
The president’s selection of Pulte as acting DNI surprised many lawmakers and national security experts, given that Pulte’s background is as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, with no prior experience in intelligence or national security.
Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concerns about this appointment shortly after it was announced.
“Anyone performing this role of such immense public trust must have the extensive national security experience required by statute, and no nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote,” McConnell stated.
Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., questioned the dual role, stating in a video on X, “Trump thinks that Bill Pulte can be both director of the mortgage regulators and director of national intelligence. You can’t do both jobs… this is outrageous.”
However, Trump has implied that Pulte’s temporary capacity makes him an ideal candidate to implement the administration’s plans for the office.
The president has voiced his hope that Pulte can begin reducing the ODNI’s size before a permanent nominee takes over, thereby allowing the acting chief to handle a significant portion of the challenging work associated with this effort.
