- President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of federal housing finance director Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) via his Truth Social platform.
- Pulte, who also chairs mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, was praised by Trump for his deep experience managing sensitive financial matters and the safety of the markets.
- Pulte replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down last month, effective June 30, to support her husband following his cancer diagnosis.
- Pulte is expected to retain his current positions while serving in the intelligence role, and a formal nomination would require Senate confirmation for him to hold the position full-time.
- The appointment is notable as Pulte, a vocal critic of Trump's perceived political adversaries, lacks apparent national security expertise, leading to questions about Trump's choice of a loyal aide from the homebuilding industry over an intelligence professional.
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