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ODNI Announces Fourth Layoff Wave, Cuts 30% Workforce

7/29/2026

44 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a fourth round of layoffs, bringing total ODNI staff cuts to about 30% since June 19.
Since June 1, roughly 200 ODNI employees have been cut, leaving the agency with about half of the 2,000 workers it employed 18 months earlier.
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said she dismissed 500 employees, roughly 30% of the workforce, during her tenure.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, creating the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and ordering a 15% cut—about 1,200 jobs—under DNI John Negroponte. Acting DNI Bill Pulte’s reduction of roughly 200 positions (30% of staff) mirrors that original drive, a legacy of post-9/11 reforms still shaping the intelligence community.

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Story summary

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a fourth round of layoffs, bringing total ODNI staff cuts to about 30% since June 19.
Since June 1, roughly 200 ODNI employees have been cut, leaving the agency with about half of the 2,000 workers it employed 18 months earlier.
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said she dismissed 500 employees, roughly 30% of the workforce, during her tenure.

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