Bill Pulte’s ODNI Overhaul: Mass Firings Spark Bipartisan Concern

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, appointed by President Donald Trump, dismissed six political appointees tied to former director Tulsi Gabbard and returned 45 career intelligence officials on joint-duty assignments to their home agencies. Sources said up to two dozen additional dismissals may follow in the next weeks.

The Guardian

Gabbard, who left the ODNI in late May 2026, had announced a 40 % workforce cut in 2025, arguing the office was bloated. The ODNI, created after the 9/11 attacks to coordinate the 18-agency intelligence community, produces the President’s Daily Brief and inter-agency assessments.

CNN

Pulte posted on X praising the National Counterterrorism Center as “doing an incredible job protecting our Country under President Trump’s leadership.” Senators Mark Warner and Rep. Jim Himes wrote to Pulte warning that mass cuts could jeopardize the ODNI’s core mission. Republican Senator Thom Tillis called for an internal analysis to eliminate only roles that can be automated or are unnecessary.

CNN

Democratic leaders on both intelligence committees warned that the firings could jeopardize national security and undermine the ODNI’s mission to prevent terrorist attacks. Tillis criticized Pulte’s competence, calling the outcome “another hot, steaming pile of Doge shit.” Unnamed sources said staff morale was “numb and unhappy,” with one likening the atmosphere to the trauma of the Covid pandemic.

The Guardian

CBS reported that “more than 50 career and political staff members” were dismissed, while CNN documented six firings and 45 reassignments. ABC News had expected large cuts to the National Counterterrorism Center, yet a source confirmed the center was not impacted. The ODNI has not responded to any media inquiries, leaving the full scope of the reductions unverified.

The Guardian

• 6 political appointees fired

The Guardian

• 45 career officials reassigned

The Guardian

• Up to 24 additional dismissals possible

The Guardian

• 40 % workforce cut announced in 2025

CNN

• Office space more than half unoccupied

CNN

Pulte signaled that further firings could occur within weeks, prompting Democrats to consider formal oversight hearings. Congressional intelligence committees are expected to request detailed staffing plans, and the ODNI’s silence may invite additional scrutiny.

CNN

• “Pulte said on X Tuesday evening, “Today, I spent time with the National Counterterrorism Center team, who is doing an incredible job protecting our Country under President Trump’s leadership.” — Bill Pulte, Acting DNI

CNN

• “We are concerned by reports that you intend to fire or place on leave hundreds of Office of the Director of National Intelligence officers as soon as this week.” — Sen. Mark Warner & Rep. Jim Himes

CNN

• “My guess is based on his past experience, it’s going to be another hot, steaming pile of Doge shit,” — Sen. Thom Tillis

The Guardian

• “The staff is numb and unhappy,” — Unnamed source

CNN

• “One person compared it to the trauma of the Covid pandemic.” — Same source

CNN