The focus areas of the restructuring include consolidating agencies, eliminating outdated offices, reforming security clearances, and improving information sharing across federal, state, and local law enforcement to better counter threats.

Additional reforms include enhancing oversight of investigations into leaks and counterintelligence threats, and rebalancing civilian and contractor roles within the intelligence agencies to increase analytic capability.

Senator Mark Warner has voiced concerns about Gabbard's track record, citing recent decisions like revoking security clearances, and stresses that reforms should aim to strengthen, not weaken, national security.

The move is part of a broader effort to restore public trust in intelligence operations and refocus on core national security priorities, amid ongoing political tensions and declassification of documents related to Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The US intelligence community is undergoing a major overhaul, led by Tulsi Gabbard, who announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), including a 40% workforce reduction and over $700 million in annual budget cuts, citing inefficiency and politicization.

Supporters argue the restructuring will strengthen national security, but critics worry it may weaken oversight and politicize intelligence, with some lawmakers emphasizing the need for reforms that genuinely enhance security.

This overhaul involves refocusing and integrating the Foreign Malign Influence Centre into other agencies, and follows efforts by previous administrations to reform election security agencies, such as disbanding FBI foreign influence task forces and cutting cybersecurity funding.

The reforms aim to streamline operations, eliminate redundancies, and restore trust by emphasizing standards, efficiency, and a culture of non-politicization, with plans to close the ODNI's Reston campus and consolidate operations at the main headquarters.

Reactions in Congress are divided: Republicans like Sen. Tom Cotton praise the move as a return to ODNI's original mission, while Democrats such as Sen. Mark Warner express concerns over politicization and oversight challenges.

Gabbard emphasizes that ODNI 2.0 will prioritize serving the country and protecting citizens, aligning with the original purpose of ODNI established after 9/11 to improve intelligence oversight.

Support from some lawmakers, including Senator Tom Cotton, highlights a belief that the restructuring will enhance effectiveness and restore ODNI to its intended size and mission, strengthening national security.

Part of the restructuring involves shutting down the ODNI's Reston campus and transferring programs like the National Intelligence University to other institutions, aiming to streamline operations.

Controversy surrounds Gabbard's leadership, with critics citing her history of politicizing intelligence and close ties to Russia and Syria, raising questions about her suitability to lead these reforms.