Gabbard Shakes Up Intelligence: Moves PDB Staff to ODNI, Targets Leaks

In a bold move to streamline intelligence operations, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has relocated the presidential daily brief (PDB) staff from the CIA to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). This shift, confirmed by senior intelligence sources, aims to enhance efficiency and ensure the president receives timely, actionable insights. The PDB, a critical daily summary of national security intelligence, has been a cornerstone of presidential briefings since 1946, drawing from multiple intelligence agencies.

Gabbard’s decision follows her recent transfer of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) to the ODNI, aligning key advisory teams under one roof. A CIA official noted that this physical consolidation makes sense, as both the PDB staff and NIC are integral to the DNI’s mission of delivering accurate intelligence to the president. ‘Proximity means faster responses,’ one official emphasized, highlighting Gabbard’s focus on cutting lag time in intelligence delivery.

These moves come amid Gabbard’s broader efforts to root out inefficiencies and alleged politicization within the intelligence community. She has taken a hard stance against suspected ‘deep state holdovers,’ firing NIC acting chair Mike Collins and his deputy Maria Langan-Riekhof, both accused by whistleblowers of bias against President Trump’s agenda. Gabbard also referred three intelligence professionals to the DOJ for allegedly leaking classified information to major outlets, signaling a crackdown on unauthorized disclosures.

Gabbard’s actions reflect her commitment to depoliticizing intelligence and ensuring it serves the president’s needs without interference. As she reshapes the intelligence landscape, her focus remains on delivering unfiltered, actionable insights to the White House.