Trump tells intel chief Pulte to declassify 'whatever you want', signals sweeping document release

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, July 1, that he has given Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Bill Pulte broad authority to release classified government records, revealing that he personally told the acting intelligence chief to “declassify whatever you want.”

The remarks came as Trump fielded questions from reporters before boarding the new Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, offering fresh insight into how his administration plans to handle long-awaited transparency efforts while Pulte temporarily leads the US intelligence community.

Trump gives Bill Pulte broad authority

During the exchange with reporters, Trump was asked whether there had been any progress on declassification efforts being overseen by Pulte and the administration’s records review task force.

The president responded by making clear that he had placed few restrictions on the acting DNI.

“You can declassify almost everything,” Trump said, before explaining that Pulte’s appointment is only temporary until his nominee, Jay Clayton, completes the Senate confirmation process.

Trump praised both men but emphasized that Pulte has been given significant discretion while serving in the role.

When reporters pressed him on whether new document releases could happen soon, Trump declined to offer a timeline but suggested the decision now rests with Pulte.

Trump then reiterated the instruction, saying he personally gave the acting intelligence chief permission to declassify whatever he wants.

“I told him you can declassify whatever you want. So Bill’s there just for maybe a month or two months or something. And Jay is going through the process,” he said.

Trump praises Jay Clayton

Trump also used the exchange to promote Jay Clayton, whom he has nominated to permanently lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

According to the president, Clayton's confirmation process is underway, with a Senate hearing expected in the coming weeks.

Trump described Clayton as "highly respected" and said he looks forward to him taking over once confirmed, while stressing that Pulte's current role is intended to be temporary.

As acting DNI, Pulte oversees America's intelligence apparatus, including agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, while serving as one of the president's top advisers on intelligence and national security matters.

His appointment, however, has attracted scrutiny because he does not come from a traditional military or intelligence background.

Trump's latest comments suggest that, despite Pulte's temporary status, the acting intelligence chief has been entrusted with sweeping authority over declassification decisions until Clayton formally assumes the position.