Trump suggests acting intelligence chief Pulte will investigate 'rigged elections'

Donald Trump has indicated that his ally, Bill Pulte, will investigate alleged 'rigged elections' during his temporary tenure as the acting director of national intelligence. This statement comes as Trump continues to promote unsubstantiated claims about election integrity.

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He’s not going to be permanent because, you know, I don’t think he’d want to be permanent. Again, it’s short term, but he may be very effective for a short period.

Pulte, who was appointed to the role earlier this week, will serve temporarily, according to Trump. The president described Pulte as having "energy" and "high integrity," suggesting he could be "very effective for a short period." Pulte, who currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is known as a strong supporter of Trump but lacks prior experience in national intelligence.

Trump claimed Pulte is a "very smart guy" and might uncover information regarding "rigged elections." Earlier on social media, Trump alleged without evidence that Democrats were cheating in California primaries and claimed the U.S. Attorney's office in Los Angeles was investigating, though the office declined to comment.

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He’s a very smart guy, and you may find out some things about the rigged elections, etc, etc.

Pulte's interim appointment has drawn significant bipartisan criticism. Senate Republican leader John Thune stated that "we don't need a weaponized" national intelligence director and that Pulte would face a "lengthy road ahead" for permanent nomination, emphasizing the need for professionals. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell indirectly expressed disapproval, noting that any nominee for this role must possess extensive national security experience as required by statute.

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we don’t need a weaponized” national intelligence director, adding that Pulte would have a “lengthy road ahead of him” if nominated for the role permanently. “We need professionals here.

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the intelligence committee, criticized the choice, stating that the president selected an official "who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution" instead of a respected national security professional. Pulte previously gained national attention for referring Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and former representatives Eric Swalwell and Adam Schiff for mortgage fraud allegations, which critics deemed weak and politically motivated.

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Anyone performing this role of such immense public trust must have the extensive national security experience required by statute, and no nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote.