Trump Wants New Interim Intelligence Chief to Cut Agency Staff

President Donald Trump has directed the interim Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pult, to significantly cut the size of the agency, asserting it has been "too big for too long." Trump expressed his approval for Pult to begin the process of dismissing employees, stating he "wouldn't mind" if Pult made cuts. The President conveyed this sentiment to journalists while traveling, and in a previous interview with The Wall Street Journal, he confirmed he had asked Pult to start the firings. Pult, who previously headed the Federal Housing Finance Agency, lacks deep experience in national security matters. Trump indicated his belief that "too many people" are within the intelligence community, suggesting some officials who served in previous Democratic administrations should not be there. He wants Pult to initiate the process, with the eventual permanent director continuing the work. Trump suggested this approach could allow Pult to complete the "hard work" before a permanent appointee arrives. The President also stated he does not intend to formally nominate Pult for the permanent position. Pult's temporary appointment has already faced bipartisan resistance in the Senate, complicating the renewal of a surveillance program. Democrats have expressed distrust in Pult's ability to manage the program, which oversees 18 intelligence agencies. Under his predecessor, Tulsi Gabbard, the agency had already begun downsizing, with plans to cut its budget by over $700 million annually and reduce staff by approximately 40%, which Gabbard described as making the office "oversized and inefficient."

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Bill Pult is very good, he is very talented.