politics
Trump says he wants Bill Pulte to 'start the process' of shrinking intelligence office
Updated on: June 5, 2026 / 2:45 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump wants Bill Pulte to begin shrinking the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
- Trump described the ODNI as "unnecessary" or "too big" and suggested it "should maybe even be terminated."
- The president believes Pulte, in an acting capacity, has more power to make changes.
- An ODNI official noted previous staff cuts and savings, expressing a desire to work with Pulte.
- Trump is also considering Pulte for permanent director and has mentioned Pulte investigating "rigged elections."
- Concerns exist about Pulte's qualifications due to a lack of national security experience, and some lawmakers may oppose his oversight of intelligence agencies.