Trump Confirms Pulte DNI Role Is Temporary
CNBC reported Thursday that President Donald Trump confirmed his newly appointed acting DNI will not hold the position on a permanent basis. Trump made the remarks to reporters at the White House just two days after naming Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte to the role on an interim basis.
A Temporary Fix at the Top of U.S. Intelligence
Trump told reporters that Pulte was brought in simply to hold the post for a short stretch. He described the appointment as a bridge arrangement while his team reviews candidates for the full-time role. Trump added that interviews for a permanent director of national intelligence are already underway. He also pointed to Pulte’s intelligence as a key qualification, brushing aside questions about his lack of a formal intelligence background.
Trump drew a parallel to his own learning curve on national security upon entering office. He suggested Pulte would get up to speed quickly given the role’s expected short duration. The president also hinted that Pulte may look into domestic matters during his tenure, a comment that raised eyebrows given that the intelligence community’s mandate focuses on foreign threats.
Replacing Gabbard After a Turbulent Stretch
Pulte steps into the acting DNI seat vacated by Tulsi Gabbard, whose own tenure drew significant controversy. Gabbard drew criticism in January after appearing at an FBI raid targeting records tied to the 2020 election from a Georgia county clerk’s office. She later told lawmakers that Trump had personally requested her presence and that she only observed the operation briefly.
The DNI post carries broad oversight of the entire U.S. intelligence apparatus, including the CIA and the National Security Agency. Pulte will simultaneously continue leading the FHFA and serving as chairman of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to prior White House statements.
Bipartisan Skepticism on Capitol Hill
The appointment drew swift criticism from lawmakers in both parties. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said the intelligence community needs seasoned professionals rather than a politically motivated appointee. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York was sharper in his criticism, calling Pulte unqualified and partisan in a post on X.
Pulte built his public profile largely as an outspoken online defender of Trump and previously led efforts at the FHFA to overhaul housing finance policy. Neither role is considered a traditional pathway to leading the nation’s intelligence oversight structure.
Trump’s confirmation that the arrangement is short-term does little to quiet critics who argue the revolving door at the DNI office undermines institutional stability.
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