Trump names inexperienced ally as intelligence director
(FILES) Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on Jan. 9, 2026. (AFP)
President Donald Trump appointed a loyalist with no national security experience as head of U.S. intelligence on Tuesday — and said he would also retain his existing jobs overseeing federal housing and mortgage policies.
Federal Housing Finance Agency chief Bill Pulte — who is known for publicly attacking Trump's political enemies — was named as the acting director of national intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
Gabbard, herself a controversial pick for the job, resigned in late May, ending a tenure that saw her appear to be at odds with Trump over his war on Iran.
