President Donald Trump has called for a reduction in staffing levels within the intelligence agency, suggesting that there are 'too many people' working inside the office.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with the Wall Street Journal, where he discussed Bill Pulte's upcoming temporary role as the acting Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Pulte, who currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is expected to take over the intelligence position after outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard leaves office on June 30.
Trump believes Pulte's temporary appointment gives him the flexibility to make difficult decisions before a permanent intelligence chief is selected.
The president also wants Pulte to begin restructuring efforts quickly, suggesting that the acting chief could handle 'a lot of the hard work' tied to downsizing the office.
