Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte said Saturday that the leadership transition at the office will begin Monday, reversing reports of earlier plans for him to remain in the role alongside his successor, Jay Clayton, for a transition period.
“After speaking with the President Trump and Jay Clayton, we have decided the DNI transition will take place this coming Monday,” Pulte wrote on X, adding, “I am eternally grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to serve as Director of National Intelligence, while he completed historic declassifications and we right sized the ODNI.”
Pulte also praised Clayton, writing, “I have no doubt that Jay will do a tremendous job. I have offered Jay my complete and total support as he transitions to take over this incredible agency!”
CNN reported earlier this week that Pulte had been expected to remain at the office for at least two weeks after Clayton was sworn in, according to a source familiar with the plans.
Multiple sources told CNN that Pulte had personally urged Trump to allow him to stay on longer, arguing that he had not yet completed his work leading the intelligence agency.
