Senate lawmakers from both parties were blindsided by President Donald Trump’s decision to tap Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday and are questioning his qualifications for the post. The selection seemed to come as a surprise to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, as many senators said they knew nothing about the acting intelligence chief. “I don’t see any evidence of qualifications for that job, but I’m willing to listen,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee and recently lost his primary to Trump-backed Ken Paxton.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), a centrist who also sits on the panel, said she knew “nothing about” Pulte.
“I don’t know his background, whether he has any intelligence experience or a security clearance,” said Collins, who is facing a tough reelection battle in November.
Pulte is the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He began his career in real estate and private equity. He will take over for Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down last month.
“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” Trump said in announcing the appointment on Tuesday.
