U.S. President Donald Trump on May 21 unexpectedly announced the appointment of businessman Bill Pulte, who currently serves as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The decision came just weeks after former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard resigned due to her husband's cancer diagnosis.
Pulte, 38, a Northwestern University graduate, is the heir to PulteGroup, one of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States founded by his grandfather in the 1950s. Before being appointed by Trump to lead the FHFA in March 2025, he founded private investment firm Pulte Capital and engaged in large-scale philanthropic activities.
According to U.S. media, Pulte is seen as a loyal supporter of President Trump. He has previously encouraged the prosecution of the president's political opponents, accusing New York Attorney General Letitia James, California Senator Adam Schiff (both Democrats), and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook of mortgage fraud. However, a federal grand jury declined to indict James in December 2025 after Pulte submitted a criminal complaint to the Justice Department.
Reacting to the appointment, Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer called the new intelligence chief a “partisan thug.” “Someone who can make baseless, politically motivated accusations against elected officials he dislikes cannot be entrusted with protecting national security,” Schumer said.
Pulte has no experience in intelligence but will oversee 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA. Under the law, he can serve up to 210 days without Senate confirmation, meaning until after the November midterm elections.
Several Republican senators also expressed skepticism. Senator John Cornyn (Texas) said: “I don't see any evidence that he is qualified for that job.” Senator Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) commented briefly: “Doesn't appear qualified.” Senator Thom Tillis (North Carolina) added: “Looking at his background, I see most of his experience is in the construction industry. I don't know what national security experience he has.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (Arkansas) declined to comment. Meanwhile, committee vice chairman Senator Mark Warner (Virginia) warned: “The concern is not just that Mr. Pulte lacks the national security experience required by law, but that he appears to have been chosen precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative they want, not the intelligence we need.”
President Trump insisted that Pulte will retain his current roles at FHFA and serve as chairman of the government-sponsored mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “William has deep experience in managing America's most sensitive matters.”
