Mass layoffs begin at U.S. National Intelligence

Significant staff reductions are underway at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), with reports indicating large-scale layoffs have commenced. CNN, citing sources, reported that the cuts began on June 22, initiated by acting director William Pulte.

The National Counterterrorism Center and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center are reportedly facing the most severe reductions. In total, William Pulte plans to eliminate hundreds of positions within the ODNI, the office responsible for coordinating the work of all U.S. intelligence agencies. The White House has referenced a statement by former President Donald Trump advocating for mandatory agency 'optimization' as the basis for these measures.

William Pulte assumed his role on June 2, succeeding Tulsi Gabbard, whose resignation is effective June 30. Pulte, a businessman, reportedly lacks prior experience in intelligence operations. The scale of these layoffs suggests a significant restructuring within the U.S. intelligence community.