WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, placing a close political ally with no national security background at the helm of the country’s intelligence community amid ongoing global conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
Pulte, 38, will replace Tulsi Gabbard, who is set to leave the position at the end of June. The appointment immediately drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, who questioned whether Pulte possesses the experience necessary to oversee America’s intelligence agencies.
Under federal rules, Pulte can serve in the role for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation. As a result, he could remain in office through the November midterm elections, when Republicans will seek to maintain control of Congress.
Trump announced that Pulte will continue serving as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while also overseeing the 18 agencies that make up the U.S. intelligence community.
Consequently, Pulte will assume responsibility for major intelligence organizations, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.
His appointment comes as the United States confronts multiple international challenges, including tensions involving Iran, the war in Ukraine, and China’s expanding military and economic influence.
Meanwhile, Senate Republican leader John Thune suggested that securing permanent confirmation could prove difficult in the closely divided Senate.
Critics also pointed to Pulte’s previous calls for investigations into several political figures over alleged mortgage fraud, claims that have not resulted in criminal convictions.
Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer strongly opposed the appointment, arguing that national security leadership requires experience, impartiality, and broad public confidence.
