Full Breakdown
Acting DNI Bill Pulte’s Contested Staff Reductions
7/29/2026, 11:22:41 PM
Claim of a 30% Workforce Cut
The statement appeared in an X post made hours before the Senate was set to confirm his successor, Jay Clayton. Pulte’s office declined to release any personnel lists or criteria for the terminations, offering no further explanation.
Background to the Tenure
Pulte assumed the role of acting DNI in June after being appointed by President Donald Trump despite lacking prior national-security experience. His brief tenure has been marked by a series of social-media messages emphasizing “historic declassifications” and “retribution” against perceived political opponents. The ODNI also oversees a federal housing agency, a portfolio Pulte inherited alongside intelligence responsibilities.
Official Statements & Responses
Rachel Cohen, spokesperson for Sen. The committee has not received documentation to verify the alleged reductions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Good News! In addition to the Historic DECLASSIFICATIONS (Transparency!) by the President, we are, this morning, Executing a 5th and Near Final Round of TERMINATIONS, an approximately 30% Staff Reduction from Weeks Ago,” — Mr. Pulte
