President Donald Trump is moving quickly to reshape America’s intelligence apparatus, directing incoming Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to dramatically reduce the size of the agency and return personnel to their original departments.
In a Wednesday social media post, Trump announced that he has instructed Pulte to begin an “immediate and needed downsizing” of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) when he assumes leadership on June 19.
The move signals Trump’s continued effort to shrink what he has often described as an oversized federal bureaucracy while reasserting control over the intelligence community.
Trump Orders Staff Reduction
According to Trump, the plan calls for staff currently assigned to ODNI to be sent back to their home agencies, effectively reducing the footprint of the office created after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The ODNI was established in 2004 to coordinate America’s sprawling intelligence network, which includes organizations such as the CIA, NSA, FBI intelligence divisions, and numerous military intelligence agencies.
Supporters argue the office has grown beyond its original mission. Critics warn that reducing its staff could weaken coordination among agencies responsible for national security.
Controversial Appointment Sparks Backlash
Trump’s decision to place Bill Pulte in charge has already ignited fierce opposition on Capitol Hill.
Pulte, 38, is a longtime Trump ally but has no traditional intelligence background. He currently oversees the Federal Housing Finance Agency and has become a lightning rod for criticism from Democrats, who accuse him of using government authority to target political opponents.
Among the figures who have reportedly faced scrutiny linked to mortgage-related investigations are Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff.
Republicans, meanwhile, argue that Pulte is exposing misconduct and bringing accountability to powerful political figures.
FISA Fight Heats Up
The appointment has become entangled in a broader battle over surveillance powers.
The Senate recently failed to advance legislation extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a controversial authority that allows intelligence agencies to collect communications involving foreign targets overseas.
The provision is scheduled to expire Friday unless Congress acts.
Democrats have expressed concern about granting surveillance authority while Pulte is set to lead the nation’s intelligence office. Republicans counter that allowing Section 702 to lapse would create significant national security risks.
Trump has strongly urged lawmakers to approve a temporary extension, arguing that the authority is essential for protecting the country during major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup and celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
Temporary Role, Permanent Search Underway
Trump also made clear that Pulte’s appointment is not intended to be permanent.
Because the position requires Senate confirmation, the president said he is continuing to search for a nominee who can serve as Director of National Intelligence on a long-term basis.
For now, however, Pulte appears poised to oversee one of the most significant reorganizations of the intelligence bureaucracy in years, setting up another major battle between the Trump administration and its critics in Washington.