Trump appoints housing chief Bill Pulte as acting intelligence director
President Donald Trump named Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chair of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard who resigned due to her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Pulte, a 38-year-old Trump loyalist with no intelligence background, will retain his housing roles. The unconventional appointment drew criticism from former national security officials, who questioned his qualifications amid global conflicts and concerns over politicizing intelligence.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
U.S. acting spy chief announces new round of staff reductions
Acting U.S. Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a third round of staff reductions on July 10, 2026, after President Donald Trump urged him to shrink the agency's ranks. Pulte, a Trump loyalist with no prior national security experience, stated that the cuts target redundant or non-critical personnel, though the number of roles eliminated was not disclosed. The Trump administration has been remaking U.S. agencies by installing loyalists and cracking down on dissent, citing wasteful spending, but experts warn vital roles are being cut. Pulte's appointment has raised concerns, even among some Republicans, that he could weaponize intelligence against Trump's political foes. The nomination hearing for Jay Clayton, Trump's nominee to permanently lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, is scheduled for July 15. Former DNI Tulsi Gabbard left office on June 19.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Acting DNI Bill Pulte Fires Dozens of Intelligence Officials Amid Trump's Deep State Purge
Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has fired dozens of intelligence officials, according to a report by MS Now on Friday. President Donald Trump appointed Pulte in June after Tulsi Gabbard resigned. The dismissals, announced via termination notices on Thursday, target officials perceived as 'deep state' and accused of failing to provide complete intelligence assessments. The White House and ODNI declined to comment. This follows earlier firings of Gabbard's political appointees in June. Trump had instructed Pulte to 'start the process' of large-scale firings. Pulte's appointment drew bipartisan congressional criticism. Trump subsequently nominated Jay Clayton as permanent DNI but canceled his confirmation hearing hours before it was scheduled, leaving Pulte as acting director with access to sensitive intelligence.
US Top News and AnalysisActing DNI Bill Pulte Fires Dozens of Intelligence Officials
Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has fired dozens of intelligence officials, according to a report by MS Now on Friday. Pulte, appointed by President Donald Trump in June after Tulsi Gabbard resigned, sent termination notices on Thursday. An anonymous intelligence official said the removals target those considered 'deep state' who allegedly failed to provide complete intelligence pictures. Trump had previously stated he wanted Pulte to begin firing large numbers of DNI employees. The office oversees 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA. The move has drawn sharp bipartisan criticism from Congress. Trump also nominated Jay Clayton as permanent DNI, but canceled his confirmation hearing, allowing Pulte to retain the acting role and access to sensitive intelligence data.
US Top News and AnalysisActing DNI Bill Pulte Fires Dozens of Intelligence Officials
Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has fired dozens of intelligence officials, MS Now reported on Friday. Pulte, appointed by President Donald Trump in June after Tulsi Gabbard resigned, sent termination notices on Thursday to officials believed by the administration to be part of the 'deep state' and allegedly failing to provide complete intelligence pictures. The firings expand on earlier eliminations of Gabbard's political appointees. Trump had said he wanted Pulte to 'start the process' of firing large numbers of DNI employees. The office oversees 18 U.S. intelligence agencies including the CIA and NSA. Trump has faced bipartisan criticism for the move. Though Trump nominated Jay Clayton as permanent DNI, he scuttled Clayton's Senate confirmation hearing, leaving Pulte in the acting role with access to sensitive intelligence.
US Top News and AnalysisTrump urges acting spy chief to declassify records, including on 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his acting spy chief, Bill Pulte—a political loyalist appointed last month with no national security experience—has wide permission to declassify records, including any tied to the 2020 election. Pulte, who also leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is serving temporarily until Jay Clayton is confirmed by the Senate. Trump postponed Clayton's confirmation hearing to pressure Congress on a strict voter ID bill. Pulte has reportedly already moved to cut hundreds of intelligence jobs. Trump, who won a second term in 2024, continues to falsely claim widespread fraud in the 2020 election. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence oversees 18 intelligence agencies including the CIA and NSA. NBC News reported a White House task force is gathering 2020 election-related documents for potential declassification.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Trump Tells Acting Intel Chief Pulte to Declassify Whatever He Wants
President Donald Trump has instructed acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to declassify 'whatever you want' during his brief tenure. The directive follows an NBC News report that a White House task force plans to declassify thousands of intelligence documents to bolster Trump's unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Pulte, who has no national security experience, previously served as director of U.S. federal housing, where he found ways to legally pursue Trump's political opponents. Trump views the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as central to election security. Pulte is serving temporarily while Trump's formal nominee, Jay Clayton, undergoes confirmation. Multiple unnamed sources within the administration expressed strong dislike for Pulte, accusing him of pushing his own agenda.
The New RepublicODNI Cuts Hit Key Mission Integration Directorate as Acting Director Pulte Reshapes Intelligence Office
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has undergone a significant personnel shakeup under acting director Bill Pulte, with roughly 50 career and political staffers removed or reassigned since he took office. A key coordination function—the mission integration directorate—has been particularly affected, as its deputy director, Will Ruger, was placed on administrative leave and 15 to 20 detailed personnel were returned to their home agencies. This directorate is responsible for coordinating the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and ensuring unified operations. The cuts follow a broader downsizing push initiated by former DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who planned a 40% workforce reduction. Democrats have warned Pulte against making consequential changes while serving in an acting capacity, arguing such decisions should await a Senate-confirmed director. The shakeup comes as Jay Clayton, Trump's nominee for permanent DNI, awaits Senate consideration, with complications arising over surveillance authority negotiations.
Government Executive - All ContentODNI Cuts Reach Key Mission Integration Office; Deputy Director Placed on Leave
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has undertaken a major personnel shakeup under acting director Bill Pulte, placing Deputy Director for Mission Integration Will Ruger on administrative leave and sending roughly 15 to 20 detailed intelligence personnel back to their home agencies. Approximately 50 career and political staffers have been removed since Pulte took office, continuing a downsizing push begun under former DNI Tulsi Gabbard that aims to cut 40% of the workforce. The mission integration directorate is critical for coordinating the 18 intelligence agencies. Democrats have warned against such consequential moves by an acting director, citing concerns over politicization following Pulte’s role in mortgage fraud reviews. The changes come as Senate-confirmed nominee Jay Clayton awaits consideration, while a key surveillance authority, Section 702 of FISA, has lapsed amid political disputes.
Government Executive - All ContentPulte's first days as acting DNI raise alarms over staff layoffs
Bill Pulte, appointed acting Director of National Intelligence by President Trump, began his role on a federal holiday and immediately moved to lay off staffers at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The swift action fulfills a key Trump administration goal of reducing the intelligence workforce, but has sparked alarm among lawmakers and critics who feared Pulte's tenure would be controversial. The layoffs mark an early and aggressive step in reshaping the intelligence community, raising concerns about politicization and operational continuity.
Just In NewsDays into his new job, Pulte raises eyebrows in Senate
Bill Pulte, acting director of national intelligence, has sparked bipartisan Senate concern just days into his role. Pulte, appointed by President Trump, began mass firings at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on Monday, drawing criticism from lawmakers who argue an unconfirmed acting official should not make such sweeping personnel changes. Senate Intelligence Committee ranking Democrat Mark Warner introduced legislation to bar presidents from installing acting directors and require the Senate-confirmed principal deputy to assume the role in vacancies. Warner and Rep. Jim Himes wrote to Pulte urging restraint. The controversy follows Pulte's earlier appointment amid Democratic concerns over his lack of intelligence experience and past referrals of Trump critics to the DOJ. The dispute also derailed a bipartisan deal to renew FISA Section 702 authority, which expired June 12. While Senate Intel Chairman Tom Cotton defended the firings as reducing bloat at ODNI, the timeline for Trump's permanent pick, Jay Clayton, remains unclear after the president directed him to skip his confirmation hearing.
Roll CallTrump's Acting Intel Chief Pulte Begins Purge of Intelligence Staff
Bill Pulte, President Donald Trump's newly appointed acting Director of National Intelligence, has initiated a sweeping purge of staff at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Pulte, a housing regulator with no intelligence or military experience, assumed his post on Friday and began firings on Monday. A source described the actions as 'deep state firings.' Prior to starting, Pulte directed staff to identify 400 employees to be fired from the National Counterterrorism Center, previously led by Joe Kent, who resigned in opposition to Trump's war in Iran. Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, as Pulte's permanent replacement, though Clayton's confirmation hearing was disrupted.
The New RepublicTrump's Acting Intel Chief Bill Pulte Begins Purge of Intelligence Staff
President Donald Trump's acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, a housing regulator with no intelligence experience, has initiated sweeping personnel changes within the intelligence community. Firings began Monday, shortly after Pulte assumed his post on Friday. Sources told NBC News that Pulte directed ODNI staff to identify 400 employees for dismissal from the National Counterterrorism Center. The previous NCTC head, Joe Kent, resigned earlier this year in opposition to Trump's Iran policy. CNN reported Pulte requested a full employee list to determine who to purge. Trump has selected Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, as Pulte's permanent replacement, though Clayton's Senate confirmation was recently disrupted.
The New RepublicTrump's Acting Intel Chief Bill Pulte Begins Purge of Staff at ODNI
President Donald Trump's acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, has initiated a sweeping purge of staff from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) immediately after assuming his post. Pulte, a housing regulator with no intelligence or military background, directed ODNI staff to identify 400 employees for termination from the National Counterterrorism Center, according to sources cited by NBC News. The firings reportedly began on Monday, following Pulte's formal assumption of the role on Friday. Pulte had also requested a comprehensive list of all ODNI employees. The moves come after Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned earlier this year in protest of Trump's Iran war policy. Trump has selected Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, as Pulte's permanent replacement, but Clayton's Senate confirmation hearing was disrupted when Trump canceled it, damaging the party's chance to renew a key spy power. The article also briefly covers a separate report about an unnamed 79-year-old man potentially receiving premature access to an experimental obesity drug, with indicators pointing possibly to Trump.
The New RepublicDemocrats Warn Acting Intelligence Chief Against Staff Cuts and Political Declassification
Top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, sent a letter to acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte on June 22, 2026, warning him not to make major workforce or declassification decisions during his temporary appointment. They cited reports that Pulte could fire or place hundreds of ODNI employees on leave and expressed concern he might misuse declassification powers for partisan political purposes, referencing his record at the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The warning follows the cancellation of a Senate hearing for Jay Clayton, Trump's nominee to permanently lead the intelligence community, allowing Pulte to assume the acting role. The lawmakers reminded Pulte of his legal obligation to preserve all records related to personnel and declassification actions. Pulte could serve in the acting role through August, according to the New York Times. Trump has said he wants Pulte to further downsize ODNI and continue election-related investigations launched under former DNI Tulsi Gabbard.
Government Executive - All ContentDemocratic lawmakers warn acting intelligence chief against major workforce and declassification changes
Top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, warned acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte not to use his temporary position to make lasting personnel cuts or politically motivated declassification decisions. In a June 22 letter, they cited reports that Pulte could fire or place on leave hundreds of ODNI employees and expressed concern over his record at FHFA, accusing him of misusing his position to target political enemies. The lawmakers demanded Pulte follow legal record-keeping requirements and refrain from structural changes without consulting Congress. Pulte assumed the acting role after the hearing for nominee Jay Clayton was canceled. He could serve in the role through August. The office was created post-9/11, and Trump has pushed for further downsizing and election-related investigations.
Government Executive - All ContentTop Democrats Warn Acting Intelligence Chief Against Major Workforce and Declassification Changes
Senior Democratic lawmakers on the House and Senate intelligence committees, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, warned acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte on June 22, 2026, against making sweeping personnel cuts or politically motivated declassification decisions during his temporary appointment. In a letter, they cited reports that Pulte could fire or place hundreds of ODNI employees on leave and expressed concerns he might 'weaponize the declassification process.' The warning follows the cancellation of a Senate hearing for Trump's nominee Jay Clayton, leaving Pulte in the acting role through August. Democrats pointed to Pulte's record at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, alleging misuse of position to target political enemies. The lawmakers demanded Pulte preserve all records related to any declassification or personnel actions and refrain from major structural changes without consulting Congress.
Government Executive - All ContentLawmakers warn acting DNI Bill Pulte against workforce shakeup and political declassification
Top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, warned acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte on June 22 not to use his temporary post to make major changes at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). In a letter, they cited concerns about reported plans to cut hundreds of ODNI employees and the risk of politically motivated declassification decisions. Pulte, who lacks intelligence experience, began serving as acting DNI after confirmation hearings for Trump's nominee Jay Clayton were canceled. The lawmakers noted Pulte's record at the Federal Housing Finance Agency as showing a 'willingness to misuse' sensitive information. They demanded Pulte refrain from significant structural changes, including workforce reductions, and preserve all records related to declassification and personnel actions. Pulte could serve in the role through August, and the dispute has complicated bipartisan renewal of FISA Section 702.
Defense One - All ContentUS Democratic lawmakers warn acting spy chief Bill Pulte against ODNI workforce cuts and partisan declassification
Top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, sent a warning letter to acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte on June 22, 2026, urging him not to make major changes at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) while serving in an acting capacity. The lawmakers cited concerns over reported plans for sweeping personnel cuts and politically motivated declassification decisions, noting Pulte's lack of intelligence experience and his previous role at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where they allege he misused his position to target political opponents. The letter comes after the cancellation of a Senate hearing for Jay Clayton, Trump's nominee for permanent DNI, allowing Pulte to assume the acting role. Himes and Warner emphasized Pulte's legal obligation to preserve records related to any actions, including declassifications and personnel changes, and requested immediate compliance confirmation.
Defense One - All ContentTop Democrats Warn Acting DNI Pulte Against Workforce Cuts, Political Declassification
Top Democrats on the House and Senate intelligence committees, Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, sent a letter on June 22 to acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, warning him not to use his temporary post to make major changes at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The lawmakers cited concerns about reported staff cuts and potential politically motivated declassification decisions. Pulte, who has no intelligence experience, assumed the acting role after the cancellation of a Senate hearing for Jay Clayton, Trump's nominee to lead the intelligence community. The warning follows reports that Pulte could fire or place on leave hundreds of ODNI employees, and that he could declassify information for partisan purposes. The lawmakers reminded Pulte of his legal obligation to preserve all records, including private electronic messages, and urged him to refrain from significant structural changes without congressional consultation. The ODNI was created after 9/11 to improve intelligence coordination, and Trump has said he wants Pulte to further downsize the office.
Defense One - All ContentTrump's Intelligence Chief Pulte Arrives Early, Requests Employee List to Fire
Bill Pulte, President Trump's pick as acting Director of National Intelligence, arrived a day early at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on June 19, 2026, catching staff and outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard off guard. He immediately requested a list of all employees to decide who to fire, aligning with Trump's desire to shrink the agency. Pulte alarmed officials by asking if he could take the classified President's Daily Brief home, inquiring about his security clearance, demanding a government plane for personal travel, and requesting a security detail before officially starting. The article compares his conduct to FBI Director Kash Patel. Trump is reportedly using the FISA renewal process to push a voter restriction bill, leveraging the intelligence post to purge potential whistleblowers. Pulte's appointment drew backlash from both parties due to his previous politicized prosecution of Trump opponents while at the FHFA and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.
The New Republic