Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte is expected to be replaced by Jay Clayton, whom the Senate is considering for the position. Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Bill Pulte announced on July 28 that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) had been reduced in size for a fifth time under his leadership. Trump appointed Pulte as acting DNI in June until the Senate could confirm a new director. Trump said Pulte could “start the process” of firing ODNI employees and that the process could be continued by the permanent director of national intelligence. He was favorably recommended to the full Senate for confirmation by the Senate Intelligence Committee in a 9–8 vote on July 21.