Trump appoints housing official William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency director William Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned citing her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Pulte, who has no intelligence experience, will retain his FHFA role and chairmanships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Critics across both parties condemned the appointment, citing Pulte’s past use of his position to investigate Trump’s political opponents and concerns over politicizing the intelligence community. GOP senators warned of a “weaponized” DNI, while Democrats vowed to block FISA renewal over the move.
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A new intelligence chief in America may oversee a shrinking office
The article reports on the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on May 22nd, 2026, and President Donald Trump's nomination of Bill Pulte, a housing official with no national-security experience, to replace her. Pulte allegedly used access to mortgage records to support investigations of Trump's opponents. In response, Democrats have declared they will block the renewal of important spying powers unless the president offers a better alternative. The piece analyzes how this political drama has obscured a broader battle over spy powers and the future size of the intelligence office.
Latest UpdatesBill Pulte: Trump Loyalist with No Intel Experience Named Interim DNI
President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, a 38-year-old former construction executive and head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as interim Director of National Intelligence (DNI) following Tulsi Gabbard's resignation. Pulte has no high-level national security experience, raising alarms across both parties. His tenure at FHFA was marked by investigating Trump's political rivals, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Fed Governor Lisa Cook, for mortgage fraud. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP senators have expressed opposition, fearing a 'weaponized DNI.' Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, argue Pulte cannot be trusted with national security. The controversy threatens renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), as Senate Democrats may block it over the appointment.
TheWeek feedTrump's Appointment of William Pulte as Acting DNI Sparks Alarm Among GOP Senators
Donald Trump has named William Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte is known for allegedly abusing his previous position to target Trump's political enemies for prosecution. University of Michigan law professor Leah Litman warns the DNI office could be used for even more nefarious purposes under Pulte. GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested the appointment could lead to a 'weaponized' DNI, while Senator Tom Cotton refused to comment. Other Republican senators have called Pulte unqualified. MAGA figures reportedly expect Pulte to target left-wing figures. The article raises concerns about the rule of law and the potential for a weaponized national security state.
The New RepublicTrump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting DNI Amid Controversy Over Qualifications and Past Actions
President Donald Trump appointed William J. Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte, who also serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will retain all three posts. Critics, including Senator Mark Warner, argue Pulte has no intelligence background. The article alleges Pulte used his FHFA position to gather intelligence on Trump's political enemies, leading to the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and investigations into Senator Adam Schiff and Attorney General Letitia James over mortgage fraud allegations that ultimately failed. The piece also notes that several Trump cabinet members similarly claimed two primary residences on mortgage applications, highlighting perceived hypocrisy.
The New RepublicTrump appoints housing official William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Federal Housing Finance Agency director William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, replacing outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard. The selection is highly unconventional for the nation's top intelligence post, which oversees 18 agencies including the CIA and NSA. Pulte, who has no prior intelligence experience, will retain his FHFA leadership and chairmanships of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While at FHFA, Pulte launched investigations into Trump's political opponents. The move drew swift condemnation from former national security officials, who questioned the choice amid global conflicts and noted the impossibility of serving two demanding roles simultaneously. Gabbard announced her resignation last week citing her husband's cancer diagnosis, effective end of June.
Government Executive - All ContentTrump appoints housing official William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump has appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency director William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, replacing outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte, who has no intelligence experience, will retain his current role at FHFA and his chairmanship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He previously used his position to launch investigations into Trump's political opponents, including Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The appointment drew swift condemnation from former national security officials and Democratic lawmakers, who cited Pulte's lack of relevant experience and concerns about politicizing the intelligence community. Gabbard announced her resignation last week, citing her husband's cancer diagnosis, effective at the end of June.
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