US Intelligence Chief Gabbard Cuts Over 40 Percent of Office Staff

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U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced a major restructuring of her office, reducing personnel by more than 40 percent by October 1, 2025. The plan affects approximately 1,800 employees in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and is projected to save taxpayers over $700 million annually. Gabbard’s announcement marks one of the most significant personnel changes in the U.S. intelligence community in recent years and reflects her intent to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

The reorganization will eliminate several units, including the Foreign Malign Influence Center, which monitors foreign attempts to influence American public opinion. Officials say the functions of these units are already being handled by other agencies, and responsibilities related to weapons of mass destruction, cyber threats, and long-term global trends will be reassigned across the intelligence community. Gabbard’s office emphasized that the restructuring is designed to reduce redundancy while maintaining the ability to provide timely and accurate intelligence to policymakers.

Gabbard has publicly criticized prior intelligence assessments, particularly those concerning alleged Russian interference in U.S. elections, arguing that some evaluations were politicized and misused. Despite bipartisan Senate intelligence committee findings and a review led by former CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirming these assessments, Gabbard has maintained that the ODNI has become bloated and inefficient, often plagued by unauthorized leaks. She asserts that the agency must focus on core intelligence missions without unnecessary expansion or political bias.

Supporters of Gabbard’s plan argue that the reduction in staff aligns with broader efforts to improve government efficiency and ensure that intelligence resources are used effectively. A spokesperson for her office said the restructuring will allow remaining personnel to concentrate on critical tasks and provide actionable intelligence directly to the president and senior policymakers. The changes are also intended to foster a more accountable and responsive organizational structure.

Critics have raised concerns about whether the agency will be able to maintain its level of oversight across the 18-agency U.S. intelligence community. Analysts note that while cost savings are significant, the success of the reorganization will depend on the remaining staff’s ability to manage the redistributed responsibilities. Observers also warn that reducing personnel in specialized units could create gaps in monitoring foreign threats, cyber activities, and global security developments if not carefully coordinated.

Gabbard’s restructuring highlights the ongoing debate about the size and role of the U.S. intelligence community. By reducing staff and consolidating responsibilities, her office aims to balance efficiency with national security priorities. Officials insist that the agency will continue to fulfill its mission of providing objective, unbiased, and timely intelligence to support decision-making at the highest levels of government.

As the changes take effect, the intelligence community will face the challenge of adapting to a leaner workforce while ensuring that critical operations continue without disruption. Observers anticipate that the impact of these cuts will be closely monitored, as policymakers and analysts assess the agency’s ability to meet its obligations in a complex and rapidly changing global security environment.