Tulsi Gabbard slashes ODNI workforce by nearly 50%

In a significant restructuring initiative, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced on August 24, 2025, intentions to reduce the workforce of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) by nearly 50%. Located in the United States, this overhaul dubbed 'ODNI 2.0', represents the largest reform effort since the agency was created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Gabbard's plan seeks to save taxpayers over $700 million annually and consolidate several intelligence centers to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency. As part of the restructuring, Gabbard aims to cut around $1.3 billion in costs across the 18 agencies that comprise the intelligence community. The approach will absorb various ODNI entities, including the Foreign Malign Influence Center, into broader divisions to reduce duplicative efforts. With additional closures, including the National Intelligence University absorbing into the National Defense University and the ODNI's campus in Reston, Virginia closing, the reforms intend to streamline integration and oversight within intelligence operations. Gabbard emphasized that the changes are meant to restore public trust by promoting transparency and accountability within the intelligence community. The announcement has sparked a divided response on Capitol Hill. Senate Republicans have largely shown support, commending Gabbard for her aggressive reform plans aimed at trimming what they termed 'bloated' bureaucracy and reviving the agency's original mission. Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton expressed optimism about the transformation as a necessary step to enhance national security. Conversely, Democrats have raised concerns that such drastic downsizing might jeopardize national security and questioned Gabbard's capability to execute these reforms effectively. In her statements, Gabbard framed ODNI 2.0 as a response to the pressing need for efficiency, agility, and modernized practices, mentioning the anticipated investment in new technologies like artificial intelligence as part of the reform. The restructuring reflects broader currents in the intelligence community, with ongoing debates regarding its direction under the Trump administration highlighted by recent job cuts at other major intelligence agencies. Whether or not these changes will lead to improved national security and more effective intelligence gathering remains a point of contention among lawmakers and experts alike.