Trump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as the acting director of national intelligence, replacing former Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The surprise announcement was made Tuesday on social media, with Trump citing Pulte's work at FHFA and his role as chair of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as evidence that his real estate experience would translate to coordinating 18 federal agencies responsible for foreign and domestic security.

"William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets," Trump posted on Truth Social. Pulte, a real estate scion and fierce Trump loyalist, will continue in his FHFA post.

The move underscores Trump's emphasis on loyalty, though Pulte's national security expertise is unclear as the U.S. faces conflict with Iran, supports Ukraine against Russia, and manages the emergence of artificial intelligence as a military tool.

Pulte has been a frequent guest on Air Force One and has used his FHFA role to attack perceived opponents, including criminal referrals for mortgage fraud against New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. The prosecution against James was dismissed in November after a judge ruled the prosecutor was illegally appointed.

Other referrals have not yielded charges. Pulte has also targeted Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates and has been linked to unfulfilled ideas like the 50-year mortgage.

Known for cultivating enemies, Pulte has been involved in legal feuds with family members, including accusing his grandfather's widow of insider trading and publicly insulting relatives. Politico reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to punch Pulte at a private dinner over alleged badmouthing.

If formally nominated, Pulte would need Senate confirmation.