Trump Names Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence
US President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, a housing official, to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the nation's top intelligence official responsible for overseeing 18 government intelligence agencies.
Pulte, who is part of a prominent home-building family and works as a private equity financier, has no known experience in intelligence. His temporary appointment has sparked controversy among lawmakers and other observers.
Accusations and Controversy Surrounding Pulte
Pulte has faced allegations of using his position as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to target individuals perceived as enemies of Trump by making criminal referrals based on claims of mortgage fraud.
Outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard is set to leave her position on 30 June.
Trump's Announcement and Praise
On Tuesday, Trump announced Pulte's appointment on his social media platform, commending him for his oversight of government-controlled mortgage entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
"William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago," Trump wrote.
"During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!"
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac purchase mortgages which they either hold or package into securities, thereby providing liquidity to the housing market. These entities are regulated by the FHFA.
Democratic Criticism of the Appointment
Democrats quickly condemned Pulte's selection for the top intelligence role.
"This appointment speaks volumes about what this president expects from the nation's top intelligence official," said Senator Mark Warner, the senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee.
"Rather than selecting a respected national security professional capable of delivering independent judgments, the president has chosen an official who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution."
Pulte's Actions Targeting Political Opponents
Pulte has advocated for criminal charges against Trump's political adversaries and has sought to assist Trump in efforts to remove leadership from the Federal Reserve, the US central bank.
Individuals targeted include California Senator Adam Schiff, New York Democratic Attorney General Letitia James, former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
None of these cases have resulted in successful prosecutions. The Government Accountability Office is currently investigating the FHFA's mortgage fraud investigation procedures and any recent changes to those processes.
Senator Schiff responded to the DNI announcement on X, stating that Pulte "politicized and weaponized the housing agencies and will do the same in the intelligence community."
Republican Reactions and Senate Confirmation Process
Republican members of Congress also expressed caution regarding Pulte's appointment.
Texas Senator John Cornyn, who recently lost the Republican nomination for his Senate seat after Trump endorsed his primary opponent, commented to reporters, "I don't see any evidence of his qualifications for that job, but I'm willing to listen."
Acting officials can serve for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation, meaning Pulte's appointment will expire in late January 2027 unless confirmed.
