Trump directs interim US intelligence chief Bill Pulte to downsize agency
Summary
President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and ordered him to reduce staff immediately. Pulte’s appointment has caused controversy in Congress because he lacks intelligence experience, and lawmakers are delaying the renewal of a key surveillance law until a permanent director is chosen.Key Facts
- President Trump named Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence starting June 19.
- Trump asked Pulte to downsize the ODNI staff by returning employees to their original agencies.
- Pulte is a businessman with no background in intelligence or the military.
- Democrats and some Republicans criticize Pulte’s qualifications and see him as a Trump loyalist.
- Congress is hesitant to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act amid Pulte’s appointment.
- Section 702 allows warrantless surveillance of communications involving foreign persons but can affect U.S. citizens as well.
- Former ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard resigned last month for personal reasons, and Pulte replaces her temporarily.
- Senate leaders urge President Trump to choose a permanent, experienced intelligence chief soon.
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