Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP / Getty Images
President Donald Trump has named Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down last month. Gabbard resigned after revealing her husband’s cancer diagnosis, ending her tenure as the nation’s top intelligence official.
The announcement was made on Tuesday (June 2) through President Trump's Truth Social account, surprising many in Washington given Pulte’s lack of experience in intelligence roles.
Pulte is currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where he oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, managing more than $10 trillion in assets. President Trump praised Pulte’s “deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago."
Despite taking on the new intelligence role, Pulte will remain in his positions as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. By serving in an acting capacity, Pulte does not require Senate confirmation. If President Trump decides to formally nominate him for the permanent post, Senate approval would be necessary.
The White House did not immediately comment on any plans to nominate a permanent replacement. It remains unclear how long Pulte will serve as acting director or if a formal nomination will follow.