Tulsi Gabbard Cuts Half of Intelligence Staff
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is rolling out a sweeping overhaul of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), cutting nearly half its workforce and shutting down multiple programs. The changes, dubbed “ODNI 2.0,” aim to slash over $700 million from the agency’s budget and consolidate functions across the 18 intelligence community agencies. “Over the last 20 years, ODNI has become bloated and inefficient,” Gabbard said, blaming the agency for politicized intelligence and power abuses. The restructuring eliminates several key units, including the Foreign Malign Influence Center, Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, and External Research Council.
Gabbard also announced the revocation of security clearances for 37 current and former officials, accusing them of “politicising and manipulating intelligence” and “leaking classified intelligence without authorisation.” The move has been met with sharp backlash from Democrats, with Sen. Mark Warner stating, “I have no confidence that she is the right person to carry out this weighty responsibility.” Others, like Sen. Tom Cotton, supported the cuts as a return to ODNI’s original mission of coordination, not expansion.
Critics within the intelligence community argue the changes could harm national security, especially efforts to counter foreign influence and cyber threats. One former NSA analyst said, “It’s incomprehensible to think they can continue that work with half the staff.” Still, Gabbard maintains the reforms are about restoring public trust and ensuring intelligence serves the country, not political interests. “Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” she wrote on X.
