Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced significant staff reductions at her office, cutting more than 40% of the workforce. This move is part of a major restructuring initiative known as "ODNI 2.0." The changes are expected to save approximately $700 million annually, according to Gabbard's office.

Gabbard described the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as "bloated and inefficient," claiming that the intelligence community suffers from abuse of power. The restructuring will involve refocusing several departments that Gabbard's office deemed redundant. These include the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center, the Foreign Malign Influence Center, and the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center.

Additionally, the National Intelligence University will be merged with the Pentagon's National Defense University. The External Research Council and Strategic Futures Group will also be closed due to accusations of partisanship.

ODNI was established in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which highlighted communication failures among U.S. intelligence agencies. Its primary responsibilities include overseeing various intelligence agencies and advising the president on intelligence matters. Since its inception, there has been bipartisan support for reforms within the agency.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, praised Gabbard's restructuring plans. He noted that Congress intended for ODNI to operate as a lean organization with small staffs to coordinate across the intelligence community. Cotton stated, "Today's announcement is an important step towards returning ODNI to that original size, scope, and mission."

In contrast, Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia criticized Gabbard's approach. He acknowledged the need for reform but expressed concern over Gabbard's history of politicizing intelligence. Warner referred to Gabbard's recent decision to revoke security clearances from numerous national security officials, accusing them of politicizing intelligence.

Since her confirmation in February, Gabbard has been vocal about her concerns regarding the politicization of intelligence. She has reignited discussions about Russian interference in the 2016 election, releasing documents that challenge the government's conclusions about Russia's actions during that time. Last month, she declassified documents from 2016, alleging that Obama administration officials engaged in a "years-long coup" against former President Trump, suggesting potential criminal implications.

A spokesperson for former President Barack Obama dismissed Gabbard's allegations as "bizarre" and "ridiculous." Democratic lawmakers have also condemned her document releases, warning that they could jeopardize intelligence sources and serve as a distraction from more pressing issues.