Trump Names Housing Regulator Bill Pulte as Acting Intelligence Chief

CNBC reported Tuesday that President Donald Trump has selected Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte carries no known background in national security or intelligence work. He will simultaneously retain his existing roles overseeing the FHFA and chairing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

A Controversial Pick From Outside Intelligence Circles

Trump announced the decision via Truth Social, describing Pulte as having deep experience managing sensitive matters and overseeing more than $10 Trillion in assets through the housing finance system. Pulte will succeed outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who announced her resignation effective June 30. The acting DNI role gives Pulte authority over the entire US intelligence apparatus, including the CIA and the National Security Agency.

The White House did not clarify to CNBC when Pulte’s intelligence duties would formally begin, nor whether previously named interim successor Aaron Lukas would stay in his current deputy role.

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Bipartisan Pushback Greets the Appointment

The nomination drew sharp rebukes from both sides of the aisle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, told reporters the country needs professionals in the role and said he was seeking clarification from the administration on its plans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York went further, calling the pick unqualified and arguing it would leave the country less secure. Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said the choice reveals what the president actually wants from the nation’s top intelligence official.

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Pulte’s Record at the Housing Regulator

During his tenure at the FHFA, Pulte became a visible and aggressive participant in Trump-aligned political battles. He filed a criminal referral against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, alleging mortgage fraud related to dual property claims. Trump subsequently attempted to dismiss Cook from the Fed board. Cook challenged that firing, and the case is now before the Supreme Court. Pulte also pursued a referral against New York Attorney General Letitia James over alleged bank document irregularities. James was indicted in October but the case was later dismissed after a judge ruled the interim prosecutor who brought it had been improperly appointed.

Critics argue Pulte’s track record at the FHFA reflects a pattern of using regulatory power against political opponents, a concern now amplified by his ascent to a position overseeing the nation’s entire spy apparatus.

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