Tulsi Gabbard ends intelligence reform task force

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the termination of a task force established less than a year ago to reform the US intelligence community. The task force aimed to address the politicization of intelligence gathering, reduce spending, and consider declassifying reports on high-profile topics like COVID-19. Gabbard stated the task force's work was always intended to be temporary, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and eliminating politicization. The move has drawn criticism from Democrats and intelligence insiders, who questioned whether the group was used to undermine intelligence agencies and bring them under tighter control of President Donald Trump. Senator Mark Warner described it as a 'witch hunt.' Gabbard has implemented other significant changes, including workforce and budget cuts, firing officials, and revoking security clearances, which critics argue are politically motivated. Her involvement in a United States===Federal Bureau of Investigation search related to the 2020 election has also sparked concerns about blurring lines between foreign intelligence and domestic law enforcement.