Donald Trump’s latest intelligence chief pick has stunned even members of his own party. The president’s controversial replacement for outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard sparked sharp bipartisan criticism over qualifications and motives.
Donald Trump appoints Bill Pulte as Intelligence Director
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte replaces outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who announced her resignation effective June 30, citing her husband’s rare bone cancer diagnosis. The appointment drew immediate bipartisan criticism due to Pulte’s lack of intelligence experience.
Pulte will oversee the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA and National Security Agency. He will simultaneously retain his roles as FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Trump previously announced Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas would succeed Gabbard as acting DNI.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that professionals belong in the role. “We don’t need a weaponized DNI, we need professionals there,” Thune stated on Capitol Hill, CNBC reported. He added that Pulte faces “a lengthy road” if Trump nominates him permanently.
Several Republican senators openly questioned the appointment. Sen. John Cornyn said he sees “no evidence of any qualifications for that job.” Sen. Susan Collins noted she does not know whether Pulte even holds a security clearance. Sen. Bill Cassidy similarly remarked that Pulte does not appear qualified for the position.
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner condemned the decision in a statement. Warner said Pulte “appears to have been selected precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Pulte “a partisan thug with no experience in intelligence.”
Pulte previously filed criminal referrals against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and New York Attorney General Letitia James over mortgage-related allegations. Sen. Thom Tillis called those efforts “a waste of time and money.” Critics argue Pulte used his FHFA role to target Trump’s political adversaries.
