Tulsi Gabbard to Cut ODNI Staff by Nearly 50%

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11 hrs ago

Above: Tulsi Gabbard on on July 23, 2025. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

story last updated 11 hrs ago

The Spin

Republican narrative

This overhaul represents essential reform of a bloated bureaucracy that strayed from its core mission. The intelligence community became weaponized against Americans, with centers like the FMIC coordinating with Big Tech to suppress conservative speech and the Hunter Biden laptop story. These cuts eliminate redundant functions while refocusing on objective intelligence gathering.

Red State DNI

Democratic narrative

While ODNI needs reform, Gabbard's track record of politicizing intelligence raises serious concerns about her ability to lead this transformation responsibly. Her recent revocation of security clearances from career officials suggests this restructuring may weaken national security rather than strengthen it.

CNN KOMO

Establishment-critical narrative

Gabbard doesn't go far enough; the ODNI should be abolished outright. The ODNI has become little more than a do-nothing bureaucratic hurdle that impedes the real work of national security. Interviews with its own employees suggest that even they are not clear on what the actual role of this organization is. The ODNI should be finally done away with, not adjusted for political points.

Washington Post