Trump Installs Controversial Ally Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence
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In a move that further erodes democratic norms, President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, a loyalist with a history of targeting political opponents, as acting director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard's resignation.
President Donald Trump has once again bypassed democratic checks and balances by appointing Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, following Tulsi Gabbard’s announcement to step down at the end of June. Pulte, who currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has been lauded by Trump for his supposed expertise in managing financial markets, particularly during his oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—institutions that have long been criticized for serving Wall Street interests over the public good.
Despite taking on this critical national security role, Pulte will continue to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency and maintain control over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and the consolidation of power. The director of national intelligence is a position that traditionally requires Senate confirmation, but Trump’s decision to install Pulte in an acting capacity is yet another example of his administration’s disregard for oversight and transparency. It remains uncertain whether Pulte, whose loyalty to Trump is well documented, will be nominated for the permanent role.
Pulte’s record is deeply troubling: he has used his authority to pursue political vendettas, including criminal referrals against progressive leaders like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff—both of whom have categorically denied the baseless allegations. Furthermore, Pulte’s tenure has been marred by controversies, including questionable investigations into Federal Reserve officials, raising alarms about the potential for abuse of power in his new role.