Trump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Administrator, as the acting director of national intelligence, positioning him in a very sensitive role related to national security.

Pulte previously gained recognition as the grandson of the founder of Pulte Group, a leading homebuilding company. He garnered a considerable social media following through philanthropy, distributing funds to followers online. Before his nomination to the Federal Housing Finance Agency—a body that oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—he was also a notable figure in conservative circles.

Trump made the announcement via a post on Truth Social, commending Pulte’s leadership in the housing finance system and his expertise in handling critical issues.

When asked about the possibility of Pulte being considered for a permanent position, the White House remained noncommittal. However, Trump’s intent became clearer when he expressed to the Wall Street Journal that he wished for the acting director to downsize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

“I want it to be smaller. There are lots of people who shouldn’t be there,” Trump shared, labeling the agency as “unnecessary and/or too big.” He hinted at wanting Pulte to initiate the process of downsizing by possibly letting some staff go.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) swiftly showed support for Trump’s vision, stating that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has expanded too much since its inception after the September 11 attacks.

“President Trump is right. ODNI has grown far beyond its original mission,” Cotton mentioned, sharing his long-standing advocacy for reducing the size of this bureaucracy.

Pulte’s appointment sparked immediate criticism from some lawmakers and former officials who questioned his qualifications for such a vital role.

Supporters of Trump, who often decry the “deep state,” have maintained that he will adhere to his presidential duties. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Florida, noted that in intelligence roles, having someone who respects declassification orders and assists with document discovery is crucial, and she believes Pulte can do just that.

White House communications director Stephen Chan expressed his confidence in Pulte, stating he is a “great American and patriot” who will support Trump and his policies during a critical time for the nation.

Pulte’s appointment follows some public disagreements between Trump and Tulsi Gabbard, who will be stepping down from her position. Gabbard, initially critical of the intelligence community, had a notable disagreement with Trump regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which he rejected.

Supporters of Pulte have focused less on his intelligence credentials and more on his management abilities and dedication to challenging established bureaucracies while pursuing the administration’s objectives.

The White House has not clarified whether Pulte is being considered for a permanent role. Acting officials do wield significant power like Senate-confirmed ones, even if their tenure is temporary.

Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell expressed concerns about the necessity of extensive national security experience for anyone stepping into this role, stating he would not support candidates lacking such qualifications.

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) also criticized Pulte, raising concerns that he was chosen for his perceived willingness to align with the White House’s narrative rather than present unbiased information.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), a former FBI agent, was blunt about Pulte’s lack of intelligence expertise, asserting, “He shouldn’t be there.” In contrast, some intelligence officials, like House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-Ark.), defended Trump’s decision and downplayed the skepticism about Pulte’s background.

Pulte hasn’t commented on the criticism. In early 2026, he stated that the FHFA had discovered individuals linked to China and North Korea posing as different entities working for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, referring them to the Department of Justice.