Trump green lights new DNI Pulte to ‘start the process’ on mass intelligence firings President Donald Trump has instructed incoming Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Bill Pulte to initiate the process of firing intelligence community officials and reducing the size of the 18 intelligence agencies. Trump views Pulte’s outsider status as an advantage for making these significant changes. Concerns have been raised by lawmakers, with one senator stating that Democrats would not support the reauthorization of FISA as long as Pulte is in charge.

• President Trump wants acting DNI Bill Pulte to begin firing intelligence community officials.
• The goal is to reduce the number of employees within the 18 intelligence agencies.
• Trump believes Pulte’s outsider status gives him more power to make these changes.
• Some lawmakers have criticized Pulte’s appointment, advocating for “professionals” in the role.
• Concerns exist about the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) under Pulte’s interim leadership.