Before he was announced as President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the US intelligence community, Bill Pulte did not have a security clearance granting him access to highly-classified information – meaning he lacked what has long been considered a basic prerequisite for the job he will soon occupy, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

Pulte, who will replace intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard, is a real estate businessman with little to no experience in national security.

President Trump appoints Bill Pulte, with no intelligence experience, as acting DNI. Critics warn of political retribution and national security risks.

Key congressional intelligence leaders have yet to speak with President Donald Trump's new director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte.