President Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard in the role. Pulte, a major Republican donor and heir to a home construction company fortune, has no known experience in national security matters.
"William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Pulte will continue serving as director of the FHFA, which oversees federal housing lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while taking on the intelligence role.
The appointment has drawn skepticism from Republicans and former officials. Former Vice President Mike Pence told CNN he does not know Pulte and expects the selection will face obstacles, though he did not specify what issues he anticipates.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed concern about the appointment, telling reporters that "we don't need a weaponized" national intelligence director. Thune suggested Pulte would have "a lengthy road ahead of him" if Trump nominates him for permanent confirmation. "We need professionals there," Thune said, noting that any permanent nomination would require a Senate confirmation process and hearings.
Pulte's tenure at the FHFA has raised questions about his use of the agency to level allegations against Trump's political opponents. He has accused targets including Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook of committing mortgage fraud. Cook has denied wrongdoing. A former high-ranking official characterized his handling of the Cook case as "very bizarre."
Pulte no longer has official connections to the PulteGroup building firm after being pushed off the board in 2020, according to the New York Times. His family's charitable foundation has also taken steps to distance itself from him. In a 2023 statement, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation said that "some of Bill Pulte's public communications may have created confusion" and clarified that he does not represent the foundation.
The Director of National Intelligence position oversees the nation's 18 intelligence agencies and serves as the president's primary intelligence adviser. The role was created after the September 11 attacks to improve coordination among agencies. Acting directors can serve indefinitely under federal law, though they may face limitations in making certain long-term policy decisions without Senate confirmation.
Gabbard's departure from the role came after a tumultuous tenure in which she was largely sidelined during major foreign policy decisions. Trump had reportedly been asking cabinet members as early as April whether he should replace her. Her exit sets the stage for Pulte's tenure amid ongoing questions about his qualifications and approach to the sensitive position.