Trump names housing official Bill Pulte as acting US spymaster

June 2, 2026

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, currently head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting Director of National Intelligence despite his lack of intelligence experience. Pulte, who comes from a home-building family and works in private equity, has drawn criticism for allegedly weaponizing his housing position to pursue criminal referrals against Trump's political opponents, including Senator Adam Schiff and former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The appointment has sparked bipartisan concern in Congress, with Democrats condemning the choice as politically motivated and even some Republicans questioning his qualifications.

Who is affected

Bill Pulte (appointed as acting DNI)
Tulsi Gabbard (outgoing Director)
18 government intelligence agencies under DNI oversight
Senator Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and Fed Governor Lisa Cook (previously targeted by Pulte)
Democrats and Republicans in Congress
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac employees and stakeholders
Senator Mark Warner (top Democrat on Senate Intelligence Committee)
Senator John Cornyn

What action is being taken

Bill Pulte is being named acting Director of National Intelligence
Pulte is remaining as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac simultaneously
The Government Accountability Office is investigating how the FHFA carries out mortgage fraud investigations and how it may have changed its processes recently

Why it matters

This appointment is significant because it places someone without intelligence experience in charge of the nation's 18 intelligence agencies, raising concerns about national security leadership. The selection is particularly controversial because Pulte has been accused of politicizing his current housing agency role to pursue Trump's political opponents through criminal referrals, suggesting he may similarly weaponize intelligence authorities. The bipartisan criticism, including skepticism from Republicans, indicates widespread doubt about whether political loyalty rather than qualifications is driving this critical national security appointment.

What's next

Outgoing Director Tulsi Gabbard's last day is June 30
Pulte's acting appointment will expire in late January 2027 (210 days from appointment, after which Senate confirmation would be required)

Read full article from source: BBC