Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) on Sunday became the latest Republican to question President Donald Trump’s decision to install housing finance regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, adding to a growing bipartisan backlash opposing the president’s pick. Appearing on Fox News, Lankford said the nation’s top intelligence post requires a leader with deep experience managing sensitive national security matters and suggested Pulte’s background raises legitimate questions. “He’s not qualified for the long-term position; that’s been clear on this,” Lankford said. “He has no national security background.”
Lankford’s comments come as lawmakers from both parties have voiced skepticism about Pulte, who was tapped last week to lead the U.S. intelligence community after DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard stepped down to care for her husband who was diagnosed with cancer. Pulte can serve in the position for months without Senate confirmation under federal vacancy laws.
Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX), who previously chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Jim Hines (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, both used Sunday television appearances to challenge the selection and argue the role demands extensive national security expertise.
