Bill Pulte appointed Acting U.S. Director of National Intelligence amid bipartisan criticism

President Donald Trump endorsed Bill Pulte, a former Federal Housing Finance Agency director, as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Pulte can serve for months without Senate confirmation under vacancy laws after the resignation of DNI Tulsi Gabbard. Trump suggested Pulte would implement major staff reductions within the intelligence community.

Senators and Representatives from both parties, including Sen. James Lankford, Rep. Mike McCaul, and Rep. Jim Hines, warned that Pulte lacks any national‑security experience and that his appointment could politicize the intelligence apparatus. Lawmakers also linked their concerns to a Senate debate over the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, arguing that expanding surveillance powers should not proceed while the intelligence leadership is in question.