Tulsi Gabbard has made significant cuts to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), reducing its staff by more than 40 percent. This bold action will shrink the agency from over 1,800 employees to about 1,200. The move, part of Gabbard’s initiative called ‘ODNI 2.0,’ aims to eliminate redundancies and cut costs, saving taxpayers over $700 million annually by the end of fiscal year 2025.
In her announcement, Gabbard emphasized the need for efficiency within the intelligence community, stating, “This will reduce ODNI by over 40 percent.” The sweeping changes come as part of a broader effort to reform the agency, reflecting issues tied to the so-called ‘deep state.’ Senior ODNI officials indicated that the cuts align with directives issued by President Donald Trump, which include rooting out problematic elements within the intelligence framework.
In a related move, Gabbard has stripped security clearances from 37 officials connected to the Trump-Russia investigation, further signaling her commitment to accountability. “Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” she remarked, highlighting her stance against those who compromise national security for personal interests.
The list of officials affected includes individuals linked to past controversies about information sharing, raising questions about trust and integrity within the agency. Gabbard asserted that those who betray their oaths undermine the safety of the American people, establishing a no-tolerance policy for such behavior in her office.
This restructuring is expected to generate mixed reactions. While many supporters applaud Gabbard’s decisive steps to reshape a controversial institution, critics may express concern over the implications for national security and the potential fallout from such drastic staff reductions.
Overall, Gabbard’s efforts reflect an ongoing push to realign the intelligence community with national interests, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and operational integrity. Whether these changes will enhance the effectiveness of the ODNI remains to be seen… but the stakes for American security have never been higher.
"*" indicates required fields
