Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has fired six political appointees put in place by former Director Tulsi Gabbard and removed dozens of career intelligence officials from their roles, according to four sources familiar with the moves.

Background

The 45 career officials were on joint duty assignment at the agency — meaning they were working at the ODNI but are technically employed by other agencies — and were sent back to their home offices, the sources said.

Pulte said on X, “Today, I spent time with the National Counterterrorism Center team, who is doing an incredible job protecting our Country under President Trump’s leadership. The room was filled with true professionals and American patriots. It is a privilege to work beside them.”

Reactions

Top Democrats on the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, meanwhile, have warned that mass cuts could risk US national security.

In a letter sent to Pulte on Monday, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Jim Himes wrote, “We are concerned by reports that you intend to fire or place on leave hundreds of Office of the Director of National Intelligence officers as soon as this week.”

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.