President Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence following Tulsi Gabbard’s departure in June. Pulte, currently the chair of Freddie Mac, will be tasked with initiating a reduction in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) until a permanent nominee is installed.
Trump stated that he has advised Pulte to start streamlining the ODNI, describing it as “unnecessary and/or too big.” He expressed his desire for Pulte to initiate personnel reductions, emphasizing the presence of holdovers from past administrations. The President highlighted the need to decrease the office size, hoping Pulte’s temporary status would facilitate changes.
“I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there,” Trump remarked. He added that the permanent appointee should continue the downsizing process.
Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation on May 22, citing a family health issue. Scheduled to be effective June 30, her departure opened the door for Pulte’s appointment. Given the interim nature of his role, Pulte does not need Senate confirmation and can serve for up to 210 days.
Trump indicated that Pulte’s acting status could provide him with more power to implement early changes. Describing the temporary role as “less shackled,” Trump foresees Pulte making significant strides in reshaping the office before a confirmed director takes over.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton endorsed the plan to downsize the ODNI, stating that the office had grown beyond its original mission. Cotton has consistently advocated for reducing the number of employees or even dismantling the office.
“President Trump is right: the ODNI has grown far beyond its original mandate,” Cotton wrote. “I’ve long advocated for downsizing, if not outright eliminating, this bureaucracy.”
Established in 2004, the ODNI was designed to enhance coordination among U.S. intelligence agencies following the 9/11 attacks. Cotton’s remarks culminated in legislative efforts to cap the office’s employees at 650. As of early 2026, the workforce was around 1,800, though Gabbard claimed a 25% reduction during her tenure.
Trump’s choice of Pulte as acting director came as a shock to many due to his lack of intelligence and national security experience. Critics like former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concerns.
“Anyone performing this role of such immense public trust must have the extensive national security experience required by statute, and no nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote,” McConnell stated.
Despite some opposition, Trump remains confident that Pulte’s role is pivotal to preliminarily adjusting the office size. The President anticipates that this restructuring will ease the burden on the future permanent director.
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