Top intelligence agency begins mass firings under new Trump appointee
5 hours ago
- #Government Downsizing
- #National Security
- #Political Appointments
- Bill Pulte, acting Director of National Intelligence, began staff purges at the office.
- Pulte, with no national security background, ordered identification of 400 employees for termination at the National Counterterrorism Center.
- Democrats expressed concern over planned firings without congressional consultation, warning of risks to counterterrorism efforts.
- ODNI already saw nearly 30% staff reduction in 2025, part of broader federal workforce layoffs under the Trump administration.
- Trump appointed Pulte temporarily; a permanent nominee, Jay Clayton, faced delayed Senate confirmation after Trump requested a pause.