Trump appoints Bill Pulte as acting DNI, Senate GOP doubts

President Donald Trump's selection of Bill Pulte to serve as acting director of national intelligence has drawn skepticism and criticism from key Senate Republicans, who questioned his qualifications for the role. Pulte, who currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has no known intelligence or national security background.

Trump announced the appointment Tuesday, stating Pulte would take over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence after the resignation of current Director Tulsi Gabbard later this month. The president had initially indicated that Gabbard's chief deputy would assume the acting role, but changed course without explanation. Pulte will serve in an acting capacity for up to 210 days under federal law, which also stipulates that a permanent nominee must have extensive national security expertise.

Several Republican senators expressed reservations about the choice. Senator John Cornyn of Texas, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he did not see evidence of qualifications for the job. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana agreed, stating Pulte did not seem very qualified....