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. Read moreTrump intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard resigns 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. The DNI – who heads the US intelligence community and serves as the president's main advisor on intelligence issues – is legally required to have "extensive national security expertise", which Pulte lacks. Trump hailed Pulte in a social media post announcing the appointment, saying he "has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets". The president added that Pulte, who also leads mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, will continue to serve in his housing-related roles. Pulte, 38, has been described by some US media as the president's "attack dog". Pulte has accused Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James of falsifying documents on mortgage applications. The Wall Street Journal reported that, according to an internal complaint at Fannie Mae, Pulte had improperly accessed the mortgage records of James and other Democratic officials. A federal grand jury indicted James in October, but the case was dismissed without prejudice – which leaves open the possibility of the charges being filed again – a month later by a federal judge. 'Political retribution' Pulte has also championed a mortgage fraud case against US Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, based on which Trump attempted to fire the monetary policy maker. That case is pending before the Supreme Court. The heir to a home-building fortune, Pulte has polarised many, even within Trump's circle, with his aggressive and public political actions. US Democratic lawmakers took aim at Pulte's lack of experience and history of targeting Trump's opponents. Mark Warner, the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Pulte appears to have been chosen "because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need". "The president has chosen an official who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution," Warner said in a statement. And top Democrat Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor that someone who would file "baseless, political, and outrageous charges against political office holders he doesn't like can't be entrusted to protect our national security". Vice President JD Vance meanwhile came to Pulte's defense, describing him in a social media post as a "great guy who recognises that the bureaucracy of the intel community must respond to the elected leadership (rather than the other way around)". Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, declined to comment on Pulte's qualifications during a briefing at the White House on Tuesday. Pulte has fired internal ethics watchdogs who were investigating his own allies, characterising those moves as a way to end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies – which Trump has sought to purge from the US government – at Fannie Mae. On housing finance, he has championed the introduction of a 50-year mortgage in the United States, a proposal that has enraged many in the MAGA movement. Pulte has fallen out with his family over the future of their PulteGroup company and left its board in 2020. US media report that he has fallen out with those in Trump's inner circle, too. In 2025, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to punch Pulte at a dinner at a private club, according to the Wall Street Journal and Politico. (FRANCE 24 with AFP)