‘Doesn’t seem qualified’: Who is Bill Pulte, acting US intelligence chief?

President Donald Trump has appointed businessman Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence, a surprise move announced via social media. Pulte, 38, will retain his current position as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), a role he has held since March 2025. He is also the heir to his family's large residential development firm, PulteGroup, and has experience in private equity and philanthropy.

Pulte's appointment comes after the resignation of the previous director, Tulsi Gabbard, last month. His tenure at the FHFA has been marked by his strong support for Trump and his willingness to pursue accusations against the president's perceived political enemies. Notably, Pulte filed a criminal referral against New York Attorney General Letitia James, accusing her of mortgage fraud related to her primary residence. A federal grand jury declined to indict James, and similar allegations against Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook have also not led to charges.

These actions have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer labeled Pulte a "partisan thug," arguing that someone who makes "baseless, political and outrageous charges" cannot be trusted with national security. Schumer questioned Pulte's qualifications, stating, "A guy who can file such baseless, political and outrageous charges against political office holders he doesn’t like can’t be entrusted to protect our national security."

Pulte's views on the 2020 election, which Trump falsely claimed was rigged, are not clear. It is reported that he deleted a significant number of social media posts before his nomination to the FHFA. Trump has expressed confidence in Pulte's ability to manage sensitive matters, citing his experience with over $10 trillion at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

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A guy who can file such baseless, political and outrageous charges against political office holders he doesn’t like can’t be entrusted to protect our national security.