Trump appointee triggers broad staffing downswing at U.S. intelligence agency

Acting DNI Bill Pulte began a sweeping staff purge at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, including an order to identify about 400 National Counterterrorism Center employees for firing or leave, in the weeks after he took over from Tulsi Gabbard. Democrats on the intelligence committees warned against such large reductions and potential politicization of intelligence. The move follows earlier downsizing under the 2025 administration and comes as lawmakers scrutinize Pulte’s lack of national security background and as debate over his permanent nomination continues.