Story perspectives

Trump’s DNI Pulte Arrives Early, Lacks Clearance; Clayton Hearing Delayed

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bill Pulte, Trump-appointed director of national intelligence, arrived a day early at ODNI, demanded a list to assess cuts, lacked clearance, and asked for President’s Daily Brief and a plane.
He succeeded Tulsi Gabbard, resignation effective June 19, while Rep. Jim Himes warned the Intelligence Committee will scrutinize any personnel actions by Pulte.
President Donald Trump named Jay Clayton as director but delayed his confirmation hearing over a voter-identification bill dispute.

History

Historical Context

The 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, signed by President George W. Bush and passed 336-75 in the House and 89-2 in the Senate, created the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and installed John Negroponte as the first DNI in February 2005. That structure now frames Bill Pulte’s sudden ODNI entry, his request for the President’s Daily Brief, and renewed Senate Intelligence Committee scrutiny.

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Story summary

Bill Pulte, Trump-appointed director of national intelligence, arrived a day early at ODNI, demanded a list to assess cuts, lacked clearance, and asked for President’s Daily Brief and a plane.
He succeeded Tulsi Gabbard, resignation effective June 19, while Rep. Jim Himes warned the Intelligence Committee will scrutinize any personnel actions by Pulte.
President Donald Trump named Jay Clayton as director but delayed his confirmation hearing over a voter-identification bill dispute.

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