Trump Names Federal Housing Chief Bill Pulte as Acting Intelligence Director
7 verified16 unconfirmed1 contested
President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, replacing Tulsi Gabbard who resigned from the post. Pulte will continue serving as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency while also overseeing the 18 agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence community. Multiple sources report that Pulte has no professional background in national security or intelligence. The appointment came through a social media post from Trump, who said Pulte has “deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America.” Pulte’s tenure at FHFA has been marked by his use of the agency to initiate investigations into Trump critics, including Senator Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The move has drawn criticism from both parties, with lawmakers questioning Pulte’s qualifications.
What’s verified
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.
Pulte is also the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
He will continue to serve as FHFA director while acting as DNI.
Pulte has no professional background in national security or intelligence.
Pulte replaced Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned as DNI.
Pulte used his FHFA position to initiate investigations into Trump critics, including Sen. Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
Trump stated that Pulte has “deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America.”
Where accounts differ
Sources disagree on the timing of Gabbard’s resignation. One source reports her resignation is effective June 30, with her remaining in the role for a few more weeks. Another source states she left the DNI job last month. No other conflicting reports identified across sources.
Not yet confirmed
The Government Accountability Office is investigating whether Pulte misused federal resources for politicized attacks.
Pulte reportedly gave $65,000 to a charity that may not exist, with funds possibly going to a law firm representing Trump.
Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter questioning a $65,000 transaction involving Pulte.
Pulte and his wife allegedly used an LLC to contribute $500,000 to a pro-Trump PAC; an FEC investigation ended without fault.
Pulte promoted a memecoin later accused by the Justice Department and SEC of defrauding investors of at least $114 million.
Pulte failed to file a required SEC disclosure form, which he filed the day after a report from one outlet.
Pulte pushed for the firing of former Fed Chair Jay Powell.
Gabbard declassified documents to claim Obama led a “treasonous conspiracy” and seized voting machines in Puerto Rico.
Gabbard watched FBI agents seize 2020 ballots in Fulton County, Georgia.
Pulte fired about a dozen ethics officials at FHFA.
CIA has stopped contributing to some intelligence assessments produced by DNI.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly made a threatening comment to Pulte.
Pulte was pushed off the board of PulteGroup in 2020.
Pulte’s family charitable foundation issued a statement disavowing him.
Pulte owns trailer parks with reported poor conditions.
The question of why Pulte would take on additional responsibilities during a housing affordability crisis is not answered by the sources.
Key figures
Bill Pulte, Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump, Mark Warner, Lisa Cook, Adam Schiff, Letitia James, Jerome Powell, Eric Swalwell, Ed Martin, Ron Wyden, Elizabeth Warren, Scott Bessent, Brett Bruen.
Sources: CBS News, vox.com, motherjones.com, newrepublic.com
