Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has unveiled what she calls a ‘long-overdue’ transformation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), set to cut the agency’s workforce by more than 40% and save taxpayer money exceeding $700 million annually by the end of this year. The move is framed as a necessary overhaul to eliminate inefficiencies, dismantle structures that have contributed to the politicization of intelligence, and refocus the agency on its core role of providing unbiased, timely intelligence to the president and policymakers.
Gabbard emphasized that the current ODNI has become bloated and ineffective over the past two decades, with systemic issues like the weaponization of intelligence, unauthorized leaks of classified information, and abuse of power undermining public trust and national security missions. In her address, Gabbard said that ODNI 2.0 would be a new era of service, focused on protecting the safety, security, and freedom of the American people while adhering to constitutional principles and ensuring that intelligence operations remain apolitical and transparent.
ODNI was originally established after the 9/11 attacks to integrate intelligence from various community elements and provide oversight to ensure that intelligence provided to policymakers was ‘timely, accurate, and apolitical.’ However, over the past 20 years, the agency has faced criticism for its inefficiencies and alleged misuse of power. A spokesperson for the ODNI stated that the current structure has fallen short of its intended mission, prompting the need for fundamental reforms under the leadership of Gabbard.
As part of the transformation, Gabbard is launching several initiatives aimed at restoring transparency and accountability within the intelligence community. This includes the creation of a new Intelligence Community Task Force to investigate and address issues of politicization and weaponization of intelligence. The task force will also focus on exposing unauthorized leaks and ensuring that bad actors are held accountable for their actions. These measures are intended to rebuild public confidence in the intelligence apparatus and align its operations with constitutional values and national security priorities.
Additionally, Gabbard is closing the ODNI’s Reston Campus and consolidating the National Intelligence Council at the main ODNI campus. This move is expected to streamline operations, reduce redundant functions, and improve oversight and integration across the agency and the broader intelligence community. Officials have indicated that these cost-saving measures could result in significant efficiencies and better resource allocation, which aligns with the broader objective of making the agency more agile and effective.
Gabbard is also implementing reforms to modernize the intelligence workforce and enhance its analytical capabilities. She is working on establishing a streamlined contracting authority for technology firms that are already approved for business with the intelligence community. This initiative aims to expedite the procurement of emerging technologies and ensure that the intelligence operations remain at the cutting edge of modern security challenges.
Furthermore, Gabbard has ended non-merit-based recruitment practices in the intelligence community, reinforcing a more professional and merit-driven approach to hiring. This change is expected to attract top talent and ensure that the agency’s operations are conducted by individuals who are committed to the highest standards of integrity and performance.
As part of ODNI 2.0, the National Counterterrorism Center is enhancing its capability for two-way information sharing between federal, state, and local law enforcement. This initiative is intended to strengthen border security and community safety by fostering collaboration across different levels of law enforcement. Similarly, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center is focusing on reforming the security clearance process to deter counterintelligence threats and ensure better oversight of investigations into unauthorized leaks of classified information.
Overall, Gabbard’s vision for ODNI 2.0 reflects a commitment to revitalizing the intelligence community, cutting costs, and ensuring that intelligence operations serve the national interest without being influenced by political agendas. The reforms are part of a broader effort to restore public trust and ensure that the intelligence community operates with transparency, efficiency, and accountability.