According to information from The Wall Street Journal, Trump intends to thoroughly reorganize American intelligence. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees 18 agencies including the CIA and the National Security Agency, is to be significantly slimmed down. The president allegedly said that the current structure is too extensive and employs too many employees who, in his opinion, should not work there.
The appointment of Bill Pulty as acting director sparked criticism, especially since he has no experience in the work of intelligence services. However, Trump emphasized that Pulte would not take on this position permanently. In a conversation with journalists during the flight to Wisconsin, the president announced that he was conducting talks and would soon select a suitable person for the position of permanent director of intelligence. “I have five interviews with candidates and there will be a very good person overseeing it,” Trump said.
Reductions in the office of the Director of National Intelligence
After taking office as president for the second time in January 2025, Trump found the office of the Director of National Intelligence numbering about 1,800 employees, reports the “Federal News Network”. Pulte's predecessor, Tulsi Gabbard, reduced nearly 30 percent after being confirmed by the Senate. staff, and announced further cuts in an official note from August 2025.
Trump, quoted by The Wall Street Journal, expressed his expectation that Pulte would begin the process of reducing the number of employees in the office and that his successor would continue these actions. The president also allegedly stated that he would like the institution to be smaller and that people employed during the Biden and Obama administrations should not work there.
Controversy surrounding Pulte's nomination
Bill Pulte's lack of experience in the intelligence services raises serious doubts among critics of his nomination, including congressmen, even those from the Republican Party. Opponents point out his uncompromising style of action, especially towards people who have offended President Trump.
Last year, Pulte filed criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook, alleging mortgage fraud. However, the indictment against James was rejected by a federal court in Virginia, which found that federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was appointed illegally.
Letitia James vehemently denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that she was targeted because she successfully sued Trump in a New York state court, accusing him of economic fraud.
Dispute about Lisa Cook and her position
Last summer, Trump tried to dismiss Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, citing allegations made by Pulte, which Cook herself denies. Cook, who upset the president by refusing to support his proposed interest rate cuts, is still in office and is awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on whether the president can fire her for the reason he has given.
