Bill Pulte Appointed Acting U.S. Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Bill Pulte, the 38‑year‑old director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will serve as acting director of national intelligence (DNI). The appointment follows the resignation of former DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down after her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Pulte, a heir to the PulteGroup home‑building family, has no background in intelligence or national security, prompting criticism from both Democratic and Republican senators who argue the role requires extensive security experience. Because the position is temporary, Pulte can serve without Senate confirmation for up to 210 days, allowing him to retain his FHFA duties and oversight of more than $10 trillion in mortgage‑backed assets. Legal experts note a tension between the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which permits the acting appointment, and statutory language that “shall” designate the principal deputy director as acting DNI. Trump has emphasized that Pulte’s tenure is short‑term and that he is not the administration’s permanent nominee, stating the administration is interviewing other candidates. The move has sparked a debate over politicizing the intelligence community and the potential risks of placing a housing regulator at the helm of 18 intelligence agencies.