Trump orders staff cuts at U.S. intelligence office amid controversy

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he has directed Bill Priestap, who is slated to assume duties as interim coordinator of U.S. intelligence services on June 19, to immediately implement staff cuts within his office. Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he asked Priestap "to immediately make the necessary reduction in the size of the office, sending employees back to the services from which they come."

The appointment of Priestap, who reportedly lacks experience in the intelligence community, to oversee agencies like the CIA has sparked significant backlash. Democrats have voiced strong disapproval, and even some Republicans have expressed reservations. Trump reiterated his search for a "permanent candidate" with "national security experience" for the Director of National Intelligence position, as required by law.

This office was established by Congress in 2004 to oversee all U.S. intelligence agencies, aiming to improve coordination following the September 11, 2001 attacks. According to CBS News, the office had approximately 2,000 employees at the beginning of 2025. Tulsi Gabbard had already initiated significant reductions before her departure in late May, citing overlaps with other government agencies.

In protest of Priestap's appointment, U.S. senators blocked the renewal of a critical foreign surveillance program. Facing this impasse, Trump urged Congress to approve a temporary version of the program, known as FISA, until a permanent replacement is appointed. He described the program as "very important for our armed forces and for the protection of the American people," particularly during the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. FISA allows U.S. security agencies to conduct electronic surveillance without systematically requiring a judicial warrant, raising privacy concerns.