Zoom out: Gabbard briefed Trump, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Marco Rubio — in Rubio's capacity as national security adviser — about the planned force reduction two weeks ago, the officials said. It's estimated that the measures will save $700 million a year.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced plans Wednesday to cut her agency’s workforce by up to 40% in the coming weeks — and eliminate several offices that “politicized” the flow of critical information.