President Donald Trump has named William Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence, placing a close ally with a background in housing finance rather than national security atop the U.S. intelligence community. Pulte will replace Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman who is departing her post at the conclusion of June following her husband’s diagnosis with a rare bone cancer.
Trump announced his selection in a post on Truth Social, stating: “I am appointing the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, William J. Pulte, to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. William has 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. During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!”.
Pulte is a businessman and grandson of the founder of homebuilding company PulteGroup, who has led the FHFA since 2025 and has become one of Trump’s most loyal allies within the administration. The decision to elevate the 38-year-old housing regulator has drawn immediate scrutiny from lawmakers, as Pulte possesses no publicly known national security or intelligence credentials. White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the selection, stating, “The president chooses the best and most talented people to serve in his Cabinet. That is why this administration has achieved record successes for the American people. Bill Pulte is a great selection and he will do a great job on behalf of the American people.”
As acting DNI, Pulte will oversee the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA, during a period marked by heightened global tensions and ongoing U.S. involvement in conflicts abroad. Under federal vacancies legislation, acting agency heads are legally permitted to serve for a maximum window of 210 days. This framework allows Pulte to hold the temporary position until January 26, 2027, without requiring a new Senate confirmation process. The administration has not yet signaled whether Trump intends to formally nominate Pulte or an alternative candidate for the permanent, full-time role.
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