US President asks new intelligence chief, nicknamed 'Little Trump,' to start firings: 'There are many people who shouldn't be there'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for substantial staff cuts within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), placing his hopes on interim director Bill Pulte, who has been nicknamed 'Little Trump.' Trump suggested that Pulte's temporary status grants him greater latitude to enact changes, stating, "You are less constrained... it gives you more power... for a somewhat limited period of time."

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You are less constrained... it gives you more power... for a somewhat limited period of time.

Trump explicitly asked Pulte to initiate a restructuring of the intelligence apparatus, including significant layoffs. "I want to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people there who shouldn't be there," Trump remarked, referring to the ODNI as "useless" or "too big." He believes the interim chief should "start the process" of reducing personnel, paving the way for a permanent director to continue the reforms.

The appointment of Bill Pulte, formerly the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to lead the intelligence services has drawn criticism, particularly from Republicans, due to his perceived lack of experience in national security. Although the appointment is temporary and does not require Senate confirmation, Pulte can serve for up to 210 days. Trump, however, views this transitional period as an advantage for rapid implementation of changes, suggesting it would be beneficial for Pulte to make these difficult reforms before a permanent director takes over.

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I want to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people there who shouldn't be there.

Trump also indicated that he is considering candidates for the permanent director position, drawing from both business and political backgrounds. He assured that Pulte would not hold the position indefinitely. Additionally, Trump suggested that Pulte should review the declassification of sensitive documents, including those related to the 2020 election, stating, "I would say everything. He should review everything and make a decision."

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start the process

These proposals have raised concerns among opposition figures and some Republican lawmakers about the potential for politicizing intelligence services. Senate Majority Leader John Thune cautioned, "We don't need a DNI weaponized." The 38-year-old Pulte is known as a close associate of Trump, earning the nickname 'Little Trump' for his combative style and direct access to the former president.

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Bill will not stay there too long.