WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appointed Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as acting Director of National Intelligence, placing a close political ally in charge of overseeing the nation’s intelligence community following the departure of Tulsi Gabbard, according to statements from the White House and the president.
Trump announced the appointment in a post on Truth Social, saying Pulte would serve as acting director while continuing in his current positions as FHFA director and chairman of mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The appointment was announced on June 2.
“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,” Trump wrote. He said Pulte had “deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America” through his oversight of housing finance institutions.
The move follows Gabbard’s decision to step down from the intelligence post. Gabbard said last month that she planned to leave the administration at the end of June, citing her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Reports have also noted tensions between Gabbard and some administration officials, although she publicly attributed her resignation to family considerations.
Pulte, 38, has led the FHFA since 2025 and oversees federal housing finance programs through the agency. Before entering government, he was known for his involvement in housing and investment businesses. He does not have a background in intelligence, military service, or national security.
The Director of National Intelligence oversees and coordinates the work of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. The position was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to improve information sharing and coordination across the intelligence community.
The appointment drew criticism from some Democratic lawmakers. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, questioned the selection of a housing official to lead the intelligence apparatus, according to statements reported by multiple U.S. media outlets. Administration officials and Trump allies defended the choice, pointing to Pulte’s management experience and his work overseeing large financial institutions.
As of Tuesday, the White House had not announced whether Pulte would be nominated for the position on a permanent basis. He is expected to assume the acting role while continuing to lead the FHFA, and administration officials have not provided further details on the duration of the arrangement.
