US acting intelligence chief announces third round of ODNI layoffs

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The acting director of the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Bill Waltz, announced a new round of layoffs at the agency, calling it the third round of dismissals targeting personnel deemed non-essential or not in critical roles. In a social media post, Waltz said ODNI is operating more effectively than ever as the latest staff reductions get underway. The move is part of a broader restructuring and workforce reduction plan at the intelligence office, according to CNN. The layoffs come as US President Donald Trump pushes to reshape the country's security and intelligence agencies and cut federal spending. Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he instructed Waltz to downsize ODNI, describing the office as having grown larger and less efficient than needed. ODNI serves as the central body coordinating US federal intelligence activities.