WASHINGTON, June 3. President Donald Trump has named Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard announced she is resigning effective June 30, telling Trump on May 22 that she needed to step down to support her husband after his diagnosis of a rare form of bone cancer, according to CNBC and The Washington Post. Pulte has no known prior experience in the intelligence field, a fact that has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers in both parties. He will continue serving as FHFA director and as chairman of the mortgage finance groups Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while holding the acting intelligence role. The appointment places one of the administration's most visible officials atop the agency that coordinates the nation's spy services. The move takes effect as Gabbard winds down her tenure over the coming weeks.
The director of national intelligence oversees and coordinates the work of the country's intelligence agencies, including the CIA and the National Security Agency. The position was created after the September 11 attacks to integrate intelligence gathering and analysis across the federal government. Pulte built his public profile as an aggressive defender of the administration who frequently targeted its critics on social media, per CNN. His background is in real estate and mortgage finance rather than national security or foreign affairs. Supporters of the choice argue that the role is largely managerial and that Pulte has demonstrated an ability to run a large federal agency. Critics counter that the position demands deep familiarity with classified operations and the agencies the director is meant to coordinate.
The appointment drew immediate pushback from Democratic lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Pulte a partisan figure with no experience in intelligence in a post on X, according to CBS News. Some Republican lawmakers privately expressed concern about installing an official with no intelligence background at the head of the system, even on an acting basis. The acting designation allows Pulte to assume the duties without immediate Senate confirmation, a path the administration has used to fill other senior posts. A permanent nominee would still need to clear the Senate, where the intelligence committee holds oversight authority. The dual role at FHFA and the intelligence office also raised questions about whether one person can manage both portfolios at once.
Pulte's continued leadership of FHFA keeps him at the center of the housing finance system at a moment of elevated mortgage rates and ongoing debate over the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The two government sponsored enterprises back a large share of the nation's home loans, and decisions made at FHFA affect mortgage availability and pricing for buyers across the country. Holding both jobs concentrates significant authority over housing policy and intelligence coordination in a single official. Housing analysts have noted that major policy questions about the mortgage giants remain unresolved. The arrangement gives Pulte influence over two distinct and consequential areas of federal policy. How he divides his time between the roles is likely to draw scrutiny from lawmakers and watchdog groups.
The leadership change comes during a period of heightened national security activity, including ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has tested U.S. forces in the Gulf region. The director of national intelligence plays a central role in briefing the president and coordinating threat assessments during fast moving events. A transition at the top of the intelligence community during an active conflict adds a layer of uncertainty to an already tense moment. Career intelligence officials will continue running day to day operations regardless of who holds the top political post. Allied governments that share intelligence with the United States will watch the transition for any signs of disruption. The timing places added weight on how smoothly the handoff from Gabbard to Pulte proceeds.
What to Watch. Gabbard's resignation takes effect June 30, after which Pulte formally assumes the acting role. The administration has not yet indicated whether it intends to nominate a permanent director or how long Pulte will serve in the acting capacity. Senate oversight committees are expected to seek answers about Pulte's qualifications and his plan to manage two senior posts at once. Observers will track whether the dual role raises legal or ethical questions about concentrating authority. Developments in the Middle East conflict could quickly test the new arrangement at the intelligence office. Further announcements are anticipated as the June 30 transition date approaches.
Sources: CNBC, The Washington Post, CNN, CBS News, NPR