ODNI Cuts Over 40% Staff in Deep State Reform

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has initiated a major overhaul of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) by cutting over 40 percent of its staff, aligning with President Donald Trump's directive to root out so-called 'deep state' elements within the intelligence community. This staff reduction, expected to save taxpayers more than $700 million annually, will reduce the workforce from around 1,850-2,000 to approximately 1,300 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025. Alongside the layoffs, Gabbard has revoked security clearances of at least 37 current and former intelligence officials accused of politicizing intelligence, many tied to the 2017 Russian interference assessment and the Trump-Russia investigation, actions she describes as protecting national security and upholding constitutional oaths. Gabbard and Trump officials characterize these moves as necessary to remove bad actors undermining the administration, while critics argue that these steps further politicize intelligence. Gabbard emphasized the importance of rooting out these 'deep state' operatives to restore trust and safeguard national security, noting that such personnel have worked to influence elections and oppose President Trump's administration. This shakeup marks a significant effort by the current administration to reform and 'depoliticize' the intelligence community according to their perspective.