Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed Director of National Intelligence, is undertaking a sweeping overhaul of the agency, announcing plans to slash its workforce by over 40% and reduce its budget by more than $700 million annually as part of her "ODNI 2.0" initiative.
Gabbard describes the agency as "bloated" and plagued by political interference, vowing to restore integrity by addressing what she calls the "weaponization" of intelligence.
The drastic downsizing is not just about efficiency; it aims to root out what Gabbard terms "deep state actors," those allegedly manipulating intelligence for partisan purposes.
In a bold move, she has revoked security clearances for 37 intelligence officials from previous administrations, accusing them of politicizing their roles and undermining public trust, particularly in regard to the Russian interference investigations.
Critics express concern over potential political retribution, fearing Gabbard's actions could compromise the objectivity of intelligence operations during a time when maintaining national security is crucial.
Gabbard's transformative strategy marks a significant pivot in U.S. intelligence policy, emphasizing a commitment to efficiency, accountability, and a return to non-partisan service in an age of heightened scrutiny.
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