Acting DNI Bill Pulte Fires 30% of Intelligence Staff in Fifth Purge

Published Jul 28, 02:07 PM UTC

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a fifth round of terminations, cutting approximately 30% of the remaining staff at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The announcement was made via X post, citing transparency and declassification efforts. Pulte, who took over after Tulsi Gabbard's exit, has no national security experience, a requirement for the role. His tenure ends soon as Jay Clayton, also lacking national security experience, is expected to be confirmed by the Senate. The purge follows previous layoffs of 500 people under Gabbard and 200 since June 1. Pulte also recently declassified documents on foreign election interference, notably regarding the 2020 election.