President Donald Trump has named housing official Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, a controversial move that has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who argue that he lacks national security experience to lead the United States’ sprawling intelligence community at a time of global tensions and ongoing conflicts.
Pulte will temporarily replace outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard but will continue to serve as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chair of federally backed mortgage institutions Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Washington, where Trump said the appointment was necessary to fill the leadership gap expected to be created by Gabbard’s departure.
“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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Gabbard, a Trump appointee who has served as director of national intelligence since February 2025, announced last month that she would step down from the role effective June 30.
Trump’s decision to replace her has intensified scrutiny of his personnel choices, with critics pointing to concerns over Pulte’s lack of intelligence experience and his perceived involvement in the president’s broader political agenda.