Trump names loyalist with no security experience as acting intelligence chief
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, who lacks national security experience, will also retain his current roles overseeing federal housing and mortgage policies.
- Critics argue Pulte's lack of experience and history of targeting Trump's opponents make him unsuitable for the intelligence role, with one senator stating the choice prioritizes a desired narrative over necessary intelligence.
President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the current head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, who has no prior national security experience, will also continue to manage federal housing and mortgage policies.
Pulte, 38, is known for publicly criticizing Trump's political adversaries. He has accused Democratic officials like Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James of document falsification related to mortgage applications. The Wall Street Journal reported an internal complaint alleging Pulte improperly accessed mortgage records of these officials. A federal grand jury indicted James in October, but the case was later dismissed without prejudice.
has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets.
Pulte has also pursued a mortgage fraud case against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, which Trump used in an attempt to remove her from her position. This case is currently before the Supreme Court.
Pulte's aggressive political actions have polarized opinions, even within Trump's administration. Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns about his suitability for the intelligence role, citing his inexperience and focus on political opponents. Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, suggested that Pulte's appointment reflects a White House preference for a specific narrative rather than a need for accurate intelligence.
The president has chosen an official who has d
Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.