Donald Trump nominates Bill Pult as intelligence chief and Todd Blanche as attorney general

President Donald Trump announced that Bill Pult, currently head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, will assume the role of Director of National Intelligence in about a week and a half, replacing the ousted Tulsie Gabbard. The nomination proceeds despite bipartisan opposition in Congress, with Democrats criticizing Pult’s lack of national‑security experience and his controversial tenure at the housing agency. The appointment comes as lawmakers debate the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which authorises the targeting of foreign communications outside the United States.

Trump also submitted the nomination of his personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, to become the permanent Attorney General. Blanche, who has been serving as acting AG, must be confirmed by the Senate. His candidacy is under scrutiny for his involvement in the handling of Jeffrey Epstein‑related documents and a proposed $1.8 billion restitution fund, as well as questions about potential conflicts of interest arising from his close ties to the president. Both nominations are expected to face procedural hurdles in the Senate.