Trump names housing finance director as acting US intelligence chief

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, who also chairs mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will continue to hold these positions while serving in the new role. Trump announced the surprise decision on social media platform Truth Social.

Trump stated that Pulte possesses "deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac." The president added that Pulte's tenure overseeing the mortgage market has seen a substantial increase in its value over the past year.

Pulte replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned last month. Gabbard's departure followed reports that she was pushed out by Trump, coinciding with her husband's cancer diagnosis. If formally nominated, Pulte would require Senate confirmation to hold the intelligence chief position permanently.

The appointment has raised questions about Pulte's qualifications for national security. His background is primarily in the homebuilding industry, and his public profile has largely been shaped by his combative social media presence and his criticism of Trump's domestic political opponents, such as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. While Gabbard was considered an unconventional pick, she had prior experience as a congresswoman and military service. Pulte, by contrast, is noted for his frequent presence on Air Force One during Trump's travels.

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has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago.