Bill Pulte arrived at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Thursday, a day before officially assuming the role of acting DNI, and is considering sweeping personnel reductions that could affect hundreds of employees, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the matter.

Pulte formally assumed the role of acting DNI Friday and reportedly requested a list of all agency employees as part of an effort to evaluate potential layoffs. 

Sources told CNN that he's considering significant workforce reductions at the office responsible for overseeing and coordinating the nation's intelligence community.

The surprise visit reportedly caught many officials off guard, including the outgoing director, Tulsi Gabbard, whose departure was accelerated ahead of Pulte's arrival.

Pulte, 38, assumes oversight of the U.S. intelligence community despite having no professional background in intelligence, national security, or law enforcement.

He continues to serve as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of the boards of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump tapped Pulte to serve as acting DNI.

Days later, Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, to serve as permanent DNI.

The director of national intelligence oversees the nation's 18 intelligence agencies and serves as the president's principal intelligence adviser.

The office was created following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and is responsible for coordinating intelligence activities across the federal government.

According to CNN, Pulte raised concerns among intelligence officials during briefings by asking whether he could bring the President's Daily Brief to his home, inquiring about his security clearance level, and asking whether he would have access to a government aircraft. 

One source described his emphasis on travel arrangements as unusual. Other reports similarly described questions about access to government aircraft and security protocols during his introductory meetings.

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said: "If the reports of Bill Pulte's arrival at ODNI are true, they demonstrate why he should never spend a minute as Director of National Intelligence, a role he is legally not qualified to perform."

Meanwhile, Clayton's Senate confirmation has been delayed after Trump last week postponed his confirmation hearing. Pulte is serving in the acting role while Clayton's nomination remains pending before the Senate.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, underscored the need to move Clayton's nomination forward.

"I think the most important thing for us is to get Jay in as quickly as possible as the director of national intelligence," Rounds said.

The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not publicly commented on the reports regarding Pulte's arrival or potential staffing reductions.

Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to debate the future leadership of the intelligence community amid broader disputes over surveillance authorities and intelligence oversight.