The planned release of files concerning the CIA's MKUltra mind-control program has been postponed, with the future of the disclosures now in doubt following a change in leadership at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
MKUltra, initiated in the 1950s, involved experiments using psychedelic drugs, hypnosis, and electroshock therapy to explore mind control techniques. Many of the program's records were destroyed in 1972 under orders from then-CIA Director Richard Helms.
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard had reportedly made the search and release of any remaining MKUltra documents a priority during her tenure, aiming to address a controversial chapter in American intelligence history. Podcasters and investigations have recently revived public interest in the program. Gabbard, who had extended her departure to care for her husband, was expected to release the files before leaving her post last Friday, according to sources familiar with the expectations.
However, the disclosure is now uncertain as the ODNI's new acting Director, Bill Pulte, reportedly does not consider it a top priority. Pulte, appointed by President Trump, is said to be focused on reducing the size of the ODNI workforce and on investigating intelligence related to the 2020 election. 
Separately, Representative Ana Paulina Luna has announced a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday to investigate "Mind Control and Accountability: Uncovering the Truth of the CIA’s MKULTRA Experiments." The hearing is expected to feature journalist Stephen Kinzer and author Tom O’Neill. A source confirmed that the timing of these congressional hearings is not coordinated with any anticipated document releases from the ODNI. Luna, who previously supported Gabbard's declassification efforts, remains committed to transparency regarding CIA secrets.
Upon taking charge of the ODNI last week, Pulte reportedly reassigned 45 career officials and dismissed six others. Among those removed was Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration Will Ruger. Pulte's restructuring efforts are reportedly supported by President Trump and some Republican senators who view the ODNI as an overlap in intelligence responsibilities.
A former CIA officer, James Erdman III, has claimed that the agency recovered 40 boxes of JFK assassination and MKUltra-related files slated for declassification, a claim that the CIA disputes.