Donald Trump has given an update on the tenure of Bill Pulte as the interim director of national intelligence. In a recent press meeting, the president indicated that Pulte’s appointment is only temporary.
Donald Trump gives an update on Bill Pulte’s position
Speaking with reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday, Donald Trump stated that Bill Pulte will not stay as the director of national intelligence permanently. The president announced the administration is currently conducting interviews for a long-term appointee for the role.
“It’s an acting position, it’s not permanent, he’s not going to be permanent because, you know, I don’t think he’d want to be permanent,” Trump said. He added, “But he’s a very smart guy, and he may find out some things about the rigged elections, etc., etc.”
Trump continued, “I think he’d like to do it. I’d like to — I think he wants to do it very much. Got a lot of energy. But he’ll be very good. Again, it’s not a permanent position. We’re looking at, we’re interviewing people right now. But it’s somebody just to take it over for a little while.”
At one point, a reporter asked Trump if Pulte has the necessary national security experience to take on the role of the nation’s top intelligence chief. In response, Trump said, “I think he does, actually, because he’s smart.” The POTUS added, “Because a lot of national security — look, I wasn’t greatly experienced in national security and I think I’ve done a really great job with it, a lot of people would say that.”
Trump described Pulte as someone “who’s got high integrity.” The president further said that Pulte has “done a phenomenal job at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” Trump’s remarks come two days after he appointed Bill Pulte as the interim director of national intelligence, in the wake of Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation, effective June 30, 2026.
