Gabbard Cuts Intelligence Staff, Revokes Clearances | JQJO

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced a restructuring of the intelligence agency, including a 50% staff reduction and a $700 million budget cut. The reorganization eliminates several units, including the Foreign Malign Influence Center. Simultaneously, Gabbard revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former officials, citing politicization of intelligence. This action follows Gabbard's recent criticism of Obama-era intelligence assessments regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats who see it as a political distraction.