Clinton calls for lawsuits and pushback on acting DNI

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called for legal challenges and internal bureaucratic resistance against Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, labeling his appointment a fundamental risk to U.S. national security. Clinton made the remarks during an interview on the "Democracy Docket" podcast, which was released on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Clinton described Pulte as "very dangerous and a loose cannon," arguing his lack of intelligence experience makes him unqualified for a role created after the September 11 attacks to coordinate the nation's intelligence agencies. She characterized the appointment as a "naked partisan takeover" of a critical office. Clinton stated that the Director of National Intelligence has access to all sensitive information, and she expressed hope that career officials and political appointees within intelligence agencies would slow-walk or refuse to share information with Pulte.

The former secretary also urged outside groups to file a lawsuit challenging the legality of Pulte's acting appointment, asserting he is "manifestly unqualified under the statute" even for a temporary role. She suggested foreign adversaries, including...