Trump names inexperienced ally as intelligence director

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, a loyalist known for publicly criticizing Trump's political adversaries, will also continue in his current roles overseeing federal housing and mortgage policies.

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has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets

Pulte replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned in late May. The director of national intelligence is legally required to possess extensive national security expertise, a qualification Pulte does not meet. Trump, however, praised Pulte on social media, citing his "deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets."

Described by some U.S. media as the president's "attack dog," the 38-year-old Pulte has accused Democratic officials, including Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, of falsifying documents. Reports indicate Pulte improperly accessed mortgage records of James and other Democratic officials. He also championed a mortgage fraud case against Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, which Trump used in an attempt to remove her from her position.

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The president has chosen an official who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution

Democrats and critics have voiced strong opposition. Senator Mark Warner, vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, suggested Pulte was chosen for his willingness to provide Trump's desired narrative rather than objective intelligence. He stated, "The president has chosen an official who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution." Top Democrat Chuck Schumer labeled Pulte a "partisan thug."

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A partisan thug