Pulte takes DNI job early, job cuts loom

Bill Pulte, acting Director of National Intelligence, has started his ODNI role a day early while seeking lists of employees amid plans critics describe as cuts to hundreds of jobs. His appointment is also shadowed by concerns over security clearance, intellig

Bill Pulte arrived at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence a day before his official start date. asking for a list of employees—an early signal to many staffers that change might come fast. The concern inside the building was immediate: he was looking to cut hundreds of jobs, according to sources.

Pulte’s official start date was Friday. but sources said he showed up at ODNI on Thursday and requested an internal list of employees. The visit caught most staff off guard. and even current DNI Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly told about the visit at the last minute. Staffers and lawyers met with Pulte during the visit, the sources said.

The ODNI scramble extends to what Pulte was weighing before he stepped into the job. Sources said he had only one other briefing with ODNI last week before starting. during which he raised concerns by asking whether he could bring the President’s Daily Brief—described as a highly classified document—home. In that same briefing. a source said Pulte also asked whether he had top-secret clearance and access to a government plane.

Those questions feed a broader dispute over whether Pulte is qualified to oversee the nation’s intelligence at the level the job demands. When Trump appointed Pulte. he did not have the security clearance needed to access highly classified information he would be responsible for as DNI. critics said. They argue the arrangement creates a national security risk.

For supporters, the argument is simpler: Trump says Pulte has the right personal qualities and understands what the role requires. Trump dismissed concerns earlier this month. telling reporters. “I wasn’t greatly experienced in national security. and I think I’ve done a really great job with it.” Trump added that Pulte is “very smart. ” a person with “high integrity. ” and someone who has “done a phenomenal job.” Trump also emphasized that the post is temporary. saying. “It’s an acting position. it’s not a permanent – he’s not going to be permanent.”.

The president’s timetable has been moving alongside the politics of confirmations. On Wednesday. Trump canceled a Senate confirmation hearing for his permanent DNI nominee. Jay Clayton. and said Pulte would keep the job for the time being. Trump also said he doesn’t want Clayton to start his new job until his successor as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York is confirmed.

But for critics, the personnel and clearance questions are only part of the worry. They are also concerned that Pulte could use the authority of the DNI role to target political opponents. They point to probes into New York Attorney General Letitia James, former Democratic California Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud.

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner of Virginia put the charge bluntly in a statement dated June 2. He said. “This appointment speaks volumes about what this president expects from the nation’s top intelligence official. ” arguing that instead of choosing “a respected national security professional capable of delivering independent judgments. ” Trump selected an official who had shown “willingness” and “eagerness” to use government authorities “to pursue political retribution.”.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., echoed that theme, telling reporters earlier this month: “We don’t need a weaponized DNI. We need professionals there.”

On the House side, Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee have called on Trump to rescind Pulte’s appointment, saying it should be revoked “due to his complete lack of national security, foreign policy or intelligence experience and track record of government abuse.”

Trump, for his part, blamed Democrats and several Senate Republicans for the delays and friction around FISA. He said the block came from Republicans who opposed an extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act over Pulte’s appointment.

There is also a legal limit built into the job itself. Pulte can legally only serve 210 days in the post of acting DNI.

And as the first days of Pulte’s tenure unfold—starting early. meeting staff and lawyers. and probing internal access—critics are urging the same question in different forms: whether the person chosen to oversee the country’s intelligence system is equipped to do it safely. independently. and without becoming a tool in partisan fights.

Bill Pulte acting Director of National Intelligence ODNI Tulsi Gabbard President’s Daily Brief Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Jay Clayton Mark Warner John Thune Letitia James Eric Swalwell Lisa Cook