Acting DNI Announces Fifth Round of Staff Cuts at ODNI, Agency Down 30% Since June

NewsData.io · United States · Jul 29, 2026

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a fifth 'near final' round of terminations at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, capping an overall 30% staffing reduction since he took over in June. NBC News reported the cuts could leave ODNI with roughly 1,000 employees, down from approximately 2,000 at the start of Trump's second term. The reductions continue the 'ODNI 2.0' restructuring initiative, with the agency potentially facing a cumulative 40%+ workforce decrease. The announcement came hours before the Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the next DNI.