President Trump has installed Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence — a move that places a political loyalist with no background in intelligence or national security atop the U.S. intelligence community. The decision, announced without prior notice, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and bewilderment from some Republicans.
Pulte, 38, oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as FHFA director and chairs their boards. None of these roles involve intelligence work. He replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned citing her husband’s cancer battle. The appointment bypasses the 2004 intelligence reform law, which requires the DNI to have “extensive national security experience.” Legal experts note Pulte can serve up to 210 days without Senate confirmation.
Before joining the administration, Pulte worked in homebuilding, ran an investment firm, and served on the board of Pulte Homes, a company founded by his grandfather. He and his wife contributed nearly $1 million to Trump-aligned committees ahead of the 2024 election, according to The New York Times. On social media, he has called Trump “the greatest president in history.”
At FHFA, Pulte used mortgage records to level unsubstantiated fraud accusations against New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and Sen. Adam Schiff. He also sought to remove former Fed Chair Jerome Powell. A grand jury declined to indict James, and the other targets faced no charges. Critics say Pulte weaponized his agency against Trump’s political foes.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) publicly stated that Pulte lacks the national security credentials for a permanent DNI role, while other GOP senators expressed bewilderment at his selection. Democrats have called for hearings and threatened a lawsuit to enforce the statutory experience requirement. As Lankford put it, Pulte is “unfit” for the permanent post.
As acting DNI, Pulte could order intelligence agencies to investigate Democratic officials or candidates, potentially aiding Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. He might also revive Trump’s baseless claims of 2020 election fraud, wasting resources on what many see as a politically motivated distraction. The dual role — remaining FHFA director while running the intelligence apparatus — raises concerns about divided attention in an agency that demands constant vigilance.
The DNI role was created after 9/11 to coordinate 18 intelligence agencies and prevent surprise attacks. Critics argue that placing a loyalist with no relevant experience undermines that mission. While presidents are entitled to political appointees, the expectation is that they bring expertise and independence — not just fealty. Trump, however, has consistently valued loyalty over qualifications, as seen in other appointments across his administration.
Pulte’s tenure will test whether Congress or the courts step in to enforce the law. Meanwhile, the intelligence community faces a leader whose primary qualification appears to be unwavering praise for the president. As one former intelligence official noted, “This is not about competence; it’s about control.”
