Bill Pulte appointed acting U.S. director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump announced that Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will serve as acting director of national intelligence (DNI) after Tulsi Gabbard resigned, citing her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Pulte will retain his FHFA and mortgage‑finance roles while overseeing the 18‑agency intelligence community.
Trump justified the pick on Truth Social, stating, “William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the markets, and over $10 trillion at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.” The appointment has drawn bipartisan criticism; Senate leaders including Chuck Schumer, Mark Warner and Mitch McConnell warned that the DNI position requires extensive national‑security experience, which Pulte lacks. Republicans such as John Thune and Thom Tillis echoed the concern that the nomination would face Senate opposition. Observers note the move underscores Trump’s preference for loyalty over expertise amid ongoing U.S. security challenges in Iran, Ukraine, and China.