Story perspectives

Trump Names FHFA Chief Bill Pulte Acting Intelligence Director

6/3/2026

Center

Pulte Named Director

Bill Pulte, a polarizing FHFA chief who has filed criminal referrals against opponents, was appointed acting director of national intelligence.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Bill Pulte will be acting director of intelligence, retaining his FHFA post.
Pulte filed criminal referrals against New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff.
After Tulsi Gabbard’s June 30 resignation, Pulte, who chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, filled the vacancy.

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Trump Appoints Pulte

CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz declined to address reporters’ questions on Bill Pulte’s suitability for the intelligence role.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Bill Pulte’s appointment as Acting Director of National Intelligence, retaining his FHFA leadership.
Reporters highlighted Pulte’s no military or intelligence experience and alleged political weaponization of mortgage data.
Senator Susan Collins asked if Pulte holds security clearance, noting Oz did not know.

History

Historical Context

In April 2018 President Donald Trump appointed former UN ambassador John Bolton as the 26th National Security Advisor, a post traditionally filled by career security officials. Bolton’s unconventional rise echoed a broader trend of political outsiders in senior posts, a pattern repeated today with Bill Pulte, FHFA chief, now serving in a comparable agency chair role, raising fresh oversight concerns.

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Pulte Named Director

Bill Pulte, a polarizing FHFA chief who has filed criminal referrals against opponents, was appointed acting director of national intelligence.
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Bill Pulte will be acting director of intelligence, retaining his FHFA post.
Pulte filed criminal referrals against New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff.
After Tulsi Gabbard’s June 30 resignation, Pulte, who chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, filled the vacancy.

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