Washington, Aug 21, 2025 — The US intelligence community is facing major changes. Tulsi Gabbard, the US intelligence chief, announced plans to slash the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) payroll by over 40% by the end of fiscal year 2025. This move, expected to save $700 million, aims to address what Gabbard calls a bloated and inefficient system. The US intel payroll faces 40% cut amid ‘deep state’ crackdown, targeting what she describes as abuse of power and politicized intelligence.
Gabbard stated that the ODNI has grown too large over the past two decades. She claims it has failed its mission due to bureaucracy and unauthorized leaks. Her plan, called “ODNI 2.0,” focuses on streamlining operations and restoring the agency’s core mission. This includes cutting efforts in areas like biosecurity and cyber threats. The US intel payroll faces 40% cut amid ‘deep state’ crackdown, with Gabbard emphasizing the removal of so-called “deep state actors.”
The cuts have sparked debate. Gabbard accuses past Democrat-led administrations of misusing intelligence to suppress free speech. She specifically targeted the Foreign Malign Influence Center, claiming it was used to censor political opposition. However, her claims conflict with findings from multiple probes between 2019 and 2023, which confirmed Russian interference in US elections.
Since Gabbard took office, the ODNI has already reduced its workforce by nearly 30%, with over 500 staff members removed. The latest plan will further shrink the agency, raising concerns about its ability to handle critical intelligence tasks. Critics argue that such deep cuts could weaken national security, while supporters say it’s necessary to eliminate inefficiencies.
The US intel payroll faces 40% cut amid ‘deep state’ crackdown, reflecting a broader push to reform federal agencies under the current administration. Gabbard’s actions continue to stir controversy as the intelligence community navigates these sweeping changes.
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