Trump faced intense pushback over his decision to name Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director. The situation has led to a standoff in Congress as Democrats said they would refuse to renew a foreign intelligence powers unless Trump pulled Pulte's nomination and named a permanent nominee.

The announcement follows Trump's decision to nominate an ally and political attack dog to serve as acting director. The pick sparked a backlash that doomed efforts to renew a key…

Pulte took over for Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday.

Bill Pulte, a top housing official, is serving as the interim director of national intelligence.