Trump Names Housing Official Bill Pulte as Acting Spy Chief, June 02

President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which manage over $10 trillion in mortgages. He has no background in intelligence work. The appointment triggered swift criticism from Democratic lawmakers and former intelligence officials who worry Pulte will use the role to pursue political enemies rather than protect national security.

What Pulte Will Now Control

As acting director of national intelligence, Pulte will oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and thousands of personnel. He gains access to the nation’s most sensitive secrets, including classified collection methods and human intelligence sources. Pulte will keep his current job running FHFA and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac while serving in the intelligence role. The 2004 law that created the DNI position requires any appointee to have extensive national security expertise, a requirement Pulte does not meet.

Pulte’s Record Targeting Trump Critics

At FHFA, Pulte has sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department accusing Trump’s political opponents of mortgage fraud. He targeted Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, and former Representative Eric Swalwell. All four have denied wrongdoing. Only James faced criminal charges, which were later dismissed. Democrats asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate whether Pulte misused federal authority. The GAO confirmed it is examining FHFA’s mortgage fraud investigation procedures and expects to issue results in late 2026 or early 2027.

Democrats Sound Alarm on Politicization

Democratic lawmakers warned that Pulte’s appointment threatens national security. Senator Mark Warner, top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Trump chose “an official who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution.” Rep. Jim Himes, ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, warned that Pulte has more opportunity for mischief at the intelligence agency than he did as a housing regulator. Former diplomat Brett Bruen said the move elevates Pulte from “cafeteria-type sensitive information to the crown jewels of our most protected secrets.”

Trump’s Defense and Gabbard’s Departure

Trump defended the appointment on social media, saying Pulte has “deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America” and overseeing $10 trillion at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said “the President chooses the best and most talented people to serve in his Cabinet.” Pulte replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned last month to care for her husband after his diagnosis with a rare bone cancer. Gabbard said she would remain in the role through June 30. The position was originally set to go to Aaron Lukas, Gabbard’s former deputy and a former CIA officer.

Final Thoughts

Pulte lacks the national security expertise required by law for the DNI role and has used government power to pursue Trump’s political rivals. His appointment signals the intelligence community may become another tool for political retribution rather than national defense.

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