Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention for Bill Pulte, the incoming acting director of national intelligence, to commence the process of dismissing a substantial number of employees throughout the US intelligence community.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Trump, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, revealed that he has privately communicated to Pulte his viewpoint that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is either 'unnecessary or too large.' Trump expressed a desire to see a reduction in size, indicating that he believes numerous individuals within the office should not be there. When questioned about whether he was urging Pulte to terminate employees, Trump confirmed that he wants Pulte to 'start the process' and mentioned that his future permanent nominee for the position should continue this effort.

Earlier this week, Trump unexpectedly appointed Pulte, the current head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence, a decision that caught many of his advisors off guard. This appointment, not requiring Senate confirmation, can last up to 210 days according to federal law. Trump contended that Pulte's temporary role offers increased flexibility to implement alterations within the intelligence structure, stating that the temporary status makes one 'less shackled' and provides 'more power for a somewhat limited period of time.'