According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump said he has privately
urged acting director of national intelligence Bill Pulte to begin large-scale
layoffs to drive a reorganization of the U.S. intelligence community. Trump said
he told Pulte he believes the Office of the Director of National Intelligence,
which oversees 18 federal intelligence agencies and departments, is 'not
necessary, or too large.' He added 'I want it smaller; I think there are a lot
of people in there who shouldn't be there.' When asked whether he was calling
for Pulte to fire employees, Trump said he wanted Pulte to 'start the process'
and that a permanent nominee should continue the effort.
