Acting DNI Bill Pulte Reviews Staff, Plans Cuts

President Donald Trump's newly appointed acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, arrived at his new office a day early and immediately began reviewing staffing levels with an eye toward cutting hundreds of jobs, according to multiple reports. Pulte, who has no prior intelligence or national security experience, assumed the role on Friday, June 19, 2026, succeeding outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard.

Pulte, who will continue to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency while serving as acting DNI, reportedly showed up at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Thursday and asked for a list of every employee so he could assess potential firings. His unexpected visit caught staff off guard, including Gabbard, who had been given only brief notice. Gabbard's last day, initially planned for the end of June, was moved up following a conversation with the president.

The new acting director's early actions have raised concerns among some intelligence officials and lawmakers. During a briefing with ODNI staff last week, Pulte asked if he could bring the classified President's Daily Brief to his house, a question that alarmed some officials, though another source...