RismadarVoice Reporters, June 2, 2026
United States President, Donald Trump has appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who is expected to step down from the position at the end of June.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, with Trump lauding Pulte’s leadership experience and management of major financial institutions as key qualifications for the role.
According to the president, Pulte will continue to serve as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency while simultaneously overseeing the nation’s intelligence community in an acting capacity. He will also retain his position as chairman of mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The appointment allows the administration to fill the intelligence post immediately without Senate confirmation, which is normally required for a permanent Director of National Intelligence.
Pulte has led the FHFA since March 2025 following Senate approval of his nomination. During his tenure, he has become a prominent figure within the Trump administration and has been involved in several high-profile investigations targeting individuals viewed by the president as political opponents.
His appointment, however, has generated swift reactions from lawmakers, particularly Democrats, who questioned his qualifications for a position that oversees the coordination of U.S. intelligence agencies.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticised the selection, arguing that the role requires extensive national security expertise and warning against the politicisation of intelligence institutions.
Warner expressed concern that intelligence assessments could become influenced by political considerations rather than objective national security analysis.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned the appointment, describing Pulte as lacking the professional background typically associated with intelligence leadership.
On the Republican side, Senate Majority Leader John Thune called for a professional and non-partisan approach to intelligence operations, noting that he was still gathering information about the administration’s long-term plans for the position.
Throughout his time at the FHFA, Pulte has attracted national attention through investigations and referrals involving several prominent political figures. Some of those inquiries generated controversy and legal disputes, with critics accusing him of pursuing politically motivated actions. Supporters, however, have argued that his efforts reflected a commitment to accountability and oversight.
Pulte has also been associated with debates surrounding the Federal Reserve’s headquarters renovation project, an issue that drew scrutiny from the Trump administration. Although previous reviews reportedly found no evidence of wrongdoing, the matter remained a subject of political discussion.
The White House has not indicated whether Pulte will eventually be nominated as the permanent Director of National Intelligence. For now, he will assume responsibility for overseeing the U.S. intelligence community during a period marked by ongoing national security and foreign policy challenges.
