Trump Aims to Reduce National Intelligence Office with New Acting Director

Aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump announced his intention for Bill Pulte, the new acting director of national intelligence, to reduce the size of the office. He remarked that the office’s size has been excessive for a long time and that any cuts by Pulte would be welcome.

“He’ll do a very good job,” Trump stated while traveling to Wisconsin for an agricultural event. “Bill Pulte is very good, he’s very talented.” Pulte, previously the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, spoke to reporters at the White House in July 2025. Despite his lack of national security expertise, Trump has tasked him with streamlining the office.

In a Wall Street Journal interview, Trump expressed his view that many employees in the intelligence community should be removed, especially those from previous Democratic administrations. “I’d like to see it smaller,” Trump said. He instructed Pulte to begin the process of dismissing personnel, a task he hopes will continue under a permanent director.

Trump has yet to formally nominate Pulte for the permanent role. “Frankly, it might be good for him to shake it up before people come,” he mentioned. Trump envisions Pulte and his eventual successor working together to make significant changes, easing the burden for the next director.

Pulte’s unexpected appointment has drawn bipartisan opposition in the Senate, where presidential nominations are confirmed. The temporary position has complicated the renewal of a national security surveillance program, with key Democrats expressing distrust in Pulte. Trump indicated that Pulte might remain in the position depending on the timeline for confirming a successor.

The President mentioned considering five candidates for the permanent role, describing them as well-respected but did not name them.

Under the prior director, Tulsi Gabbard, the office had already reduced its size. The Trump administration announced a budget reduction of over $700 million annually and a workforce cut of approximately 40%. Gabbard labeled the office “bloated and inefficient” while announcing these changes. She resigned after her husband’s cancer diagnosis was revealed.