Trump Taps FHFA Chief Bill Pulte to Lead U.S. Intelligence Community
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that FHFA Director William “Bill” Pulte will become acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte will continue overseeing the Federal Housing Finance Agency and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while leading the nation’s intelligence community.
The appointment places a close Trump ally at the top of a position responsible for coordinating 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and National Security Agency. Pulte’s background is in housing finance and investment rather than intelligence or national security.
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Trump praised Pulte’s management experience and oversight of trillions of dollars in housing-related assets. Critics have questioned whether the appointment further politicizes a role traditionally associated with intelligence expertise.
The move comes during a period of elevated global security tensions and marks one of the most consequential personnel changes of Trump’s second administration.
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