Critics spanning the political spectrum blasted President Donald Trump’s new pick for national intelligence director, Bill Pulte, on Tuesday, noting he has no national security or intelligence experience and a history of weaponizing government agencies to go after Trump’s enemies.
Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Bill Pulte, speaks to reporters at the White House on July 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told CNN “we don’t need a weaponized DNI, we need professionals there,” adding Pulte has a “lengthy road ahead of him” if Trump wants to make his appointment permanent through the Senate confirmation process.
Trump said Tuesday he tapped Pulte as acting director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation last month, effective June 30.
Pulte will continue serving in his roles as chair of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac and director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency while heading ODNI.
