President Donald Trump has directed Bill Pulte, his newly installed Director of National Intelligence, to begin a process of mass firings within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, according to multiple reports published Friday. Trump indicated he wants Pulte to substantially slash staffing levels at the agency, continuing the administration's broader push to reduce the size of the federal workforce and install loyalists in key national security positions.

Pulte, who was confirmed as DNI after Trump's previous intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, departed the role, has been tasked with carrying out what officials described as a sweeping restructuring of the intelligence community. Trump publicly endorsed the effort, signaling his desire for deep cuts that go beyond routine personnel changes.

The directive has drawn scrutiny from national security analysts and former intelligence officials, who warn that rapid, large-scale dismissals could disrupt ongoing operations, damage relationships with allied intelligence services, and create gaps in coverage of critical threats. The intelligence community has already experienced significant turbulence during the current administration, with multiple senior officials having been removed or resigned.

Notably, the conservative publication National Review published commentary questioning whether Pulte is the right person to lead the DNI, a rare instance of right-leaning media voicing skepticism about a Trump appointee in a high-profile national security role. The piece reflects broader unease in some quarters about the pace and nature of the changes being made to the intelligence community.

The White House has not detailed which specific offices or divisions would face the deepest cuts, nor has it outlined a timeline for the reductions. Intelligence oversight committees in Congress have not yet publicly responded to the announcement.