President Donald Trump has said he wants incoming acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to reduce staffing levels within the intelligence agency, arguing that there are “too many people” working inside the office.
According to the New York Post, Trump made the remarks during an interview with the Wall Street Journal while discussing Pulte’s upcoming temporary role overseeing the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
“I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there,” Trump said, according to the report.
Pulte, who currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is expected to take over the intelligence position after outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard leaves office on June 30.
Trump says temporary role gives Pulte flexibility
During the interview, Trump suggested that Pulte’s temporary appointment could allow him to make difficult decisions more freely before a permanent intelligence chief is selected.
“It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time,” Trump reportedly said.
Also Read: Bill Pulte family: What we know about his wife and children after Trump names him acting DNI
The president also indicated that he wants Pulte to begin restructuring efforts quickly.
“Frankly, it might be good for him to shake it up before people come,” Trump said, adding that the acting chief could handle “a lot of the hard work” tied to downsizing the office.
The comments come amid efforts by Trump’s administration to reshape several federal agencies during his second term.
Pulte set to replace Tulsi Gabbard
According to the New York Post, Gabbard oversaw a roughly 40% reduction in staff during her tenure leading the intelligence office, though the administration has not publicly detailed the exact timeline or scale of those cuts.
Trump defended his decision to place Pulte in the role despite scrutiny over the acting chief’s background in housing finance rather than national security or intelligence operations.
Pulte’s appointment has already sparked debate in Washington, with critics questioning whether a business-focused executive should temporarily oversee the nation’s intelligence apparatus.
The White House has not yet announced who could permanently replace Gabbard after her departure later this month.
