Story perspectives

Trump Names FHFA Chief Acting Intel Director Amid 34% Approval

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting national intelligence director.
A YouGov poll recorded Trump’s approval at 34%, the lowest since the Jan. 6 attack.
Two-thirds of Americans oppose war with Iran while 18% of Trump supporters say they are worse off than before his term.
Scientists note polarization ties approval to party identity, prompting Gallup to stop publishing presidential approval numbers.

History

Historical Context

The 1974 resignation of President Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal—where 48 officials were convicted and Congress passed the 1978 Ethics in Government Act—showed how scandal can force a president out. Today, President Donald Trump’s appointment of FHFA chief Bill Pulte as acting intelligence director echoes Nixon’s controversial staffing moves, underscoring enduring concerns over executive accountability.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting national intelligence director.
A YouGov poll recorded Trump’s approval at 34%, the lowest since the Jan. 6 attack.
Two-thirds of Americans oppose war with Iran while 18% of Trump supporters say they are worse off than before his term.
Scientists note polarization ties approval to party identity, prompting Gallup to stop publishing presidential approval numbers.

1 / 2