<div><img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2026/06/24/multimedia/24dc-intel-photo-lgfw/24dc-intel-photo-lgfw-facebookJumbo.jpg" class="ff-og-image-inserted"></div><p id="article-summary" class="css-1r45aqf evqizr60">Six intelligence officials were dismissed and about 45 more officers from other agencies returned to their home organizations as acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte began staff reductions in the new role.</p><section name="articleBody" class="meteredContent css-1a6yhas" data-paywall-inert><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-0"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">The initial rounds of cuts were smaller than some expected, with officials indicating deeper changes were being considered but paused, including potential transfers of the counterterrorism and counterintelligence centers to other departments.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">It remained unclear whether further personnel removals would be pursued by Mr. Pulte.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">Some congressional members have signaled that a smaller ODNI could be acceptable if it maintains oversight and coordination across the 18 intelligence agencies, though concerns persist about Mr. Pulte’s lack of relevant experience and his status as a political appointee.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-1"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-1"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">Democratic lawmakers warned against deep cuts, arguing that significant restructuring should await a Senate-confirmed director. Some White House officials also urged caution. The counterterrorism center, the largest unit within the office, was identified as a potential target for reductions, though removing terrorism experts could pose political risks.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">About 400 intelligence officers are based in the counterterrorism center, which has focused on threats to the World Cup and cartel activity.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">Mr. Pulte publicly praised the counterterrorism team on social media, calling them professionals and patriots, but a former official said staff members did not feel secure.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">Before the changes, the ODNI employed roughly 1,300 full-time staff with 300 to 400 contractors.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-3"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-2"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">The previous head oversaw substantial downsizing and a reorganization, reducing staff by about 40 percent. Mr. Pulte’s actions followed prior reports of the forthcoming changes.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">A White House spokesperson pointed to a June 10 post in which the president said Mr. Pulte was tasked with immediate downsizing. Requests for comment to the ODNI were not returned, and replacements for former aides have not been announced.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">Mr. Pulte was installed as acting director after a permanent nominee was withdrawn; the Senate had been prepared to confirm that nominee, but the acting role was extended.</p><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">The broader scope and targets of Mr. Pulte’s agenda remain unclear, though initial actions included removing some top aides associated with the former leadership and signaling a focus aligned with the president’s priorities.</p></div></div><div data-testid="Dropzone-5"></div><div class="css-s99gbd StoryBodyCompanionColumn" data-testid="companionColumn-3"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-140ip4z e1me5xab0">Officials described potential future steps as possible investigations into election-related matters, with attention on voting processes and potential congressional elections. There is an emphasis on enhancing transparency and sharing information with the public, reflecting ongoing themes in national security oversight.</p></div></div><p><strong>Adblock test</strong> <a href="https://blockads.fivefilters.org/acceptable.html">(Why?)</a></p>
<br><br><br><br>