Trump appoints Bill Pulte acting US intelligence chief

United States President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, placing a trusted ally with no previous intelligence or national security background at the helm of the country’s intelligence community.

Pulte, 38, will assume the role while continuing to oversee the Federal Housing Finance Agency, FHFA, and government-backed mortgage institutions Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

His appointment follows the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, in late May amid reports of disagreements with the administration over its approach to Iran-related policies.

Announcing the appointment on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Pulte’s leadership abilities and experience in handling critical financial matters.

“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets,” the president wrote, adding that Pulte would retain his existing responsibilities in the housing sector.

Pulte has built a reputation as one of Trump’s staunchest allies and has frequently targeted leading Democratic figures. He has publicly accused Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James of falsifying mortgage-related documents.

Reports have also alleged that while serving at Fannie Mae, he improperly accessed mortgage records linked to James and other Democratic officials.

The new intelligence chief has not been without controversy. In 2025, reports emerged that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confronted him during a private dinner over internal administration disagreements.

Pulte has also faced criticism over claims that ethics officials investigating allies were removed from their positions and for his opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within Fannie Mae.

On housing policy, he has championed a proposal for 50-year mortgages, a move that generated debate and criticism, including from some supporters within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Before entering government service, Pulte left the board of the family-owned PulteGroup in 2020 following disputes over the company’s strategic direction.

His elevation to one of the nation’s most sensitive security positions has sparked debate in political circles, with critics questioning his lack of intelligence experience, while supporters point to his loyalty to the president and management background.

Several US media outlets have described Pulte as one of Trump’s most aggressive political defenders, a role that has made him both influential and controversial within the administration and beyond.