The Trump administration has reportedly begun a large-scale round of dismissals at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), according to a CNN report. The move has triggered concern among lawmakers and former intelligence officials over potential risks to US national security operations.
The reported ODNI mass firings involve hundreds of employees being laid off under the direction of acting Director Bill Pulte, who was appointed by President Donald Trump. According to the report, Pulte lacks prior experience in the intelligence sector, which has added to controversy surrounding the decision.
Sources cited by CNN claim that termination notices have already begun circulating within the agency. The restructuring effort is believed to be part of a broader plan to downsize the intelligence office and shift personnel responsibilities back to individual agencies.
The National Counterterrorism Center and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center are expected to be among the most affected divisions. These units were originally established after the September 11 attacks to coordinate intelligence sharing and prevent future terrorist incidents.
The ODNI mass firings have drawn strong criticism from members of Congress, particularly from Democrats on intelligence committees. Senators and representatives warned that large-scale workforce reductions could weaken the country’s ability to detect and prevent security threats.
Officials expressed concern that rapid cuts without proper consultation could undermine the structure created after 9/11 to improve intelligence coordination. They argued that such decisions require careful review due to their national security implications.
While the White House defended the move as part of a planned downsizing initiative, critics say the lack of intelligence experience among key decision-makers raises serious questions. The situation continues to develop as lawmakers seek further clarification on the scale and impact of the layoffs.
