Trump appoints FHFA director Bill Pulte as acting DNI

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting director of national intelligence. The announcement, made on the president's social media platform, places a figure with no known background in intelligence, national security, or the military at the head of the nation's 18-agency intelligence community.

Pulte, 38, will retain his current positions overseeing the government-sponsored mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while assuming the role, which serves as the principal intelligence adviser to the president. He replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who announced her resignation last month to support her husband following a cancer diagnosis. Her departure is effective June 30.

In making the appointment, Trump stated that Pulte has deep experience managing sensitive matters, citing his oversight of more than $10 trillion in assets at the housing entities. The move, made on an acting basis, allows Pulte to serve for months without immediate Senate confirmation.

The appointment has triggered significant bipartisan concern in Congress and thrown a critical legislative effort into jeopardy. Key Democratic senators are...