Trump Signals Acting Intelligence Chief Bill Pulte Will Not Be Nominated Permanently Amid Bipartisan Concerns

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has indicated that Bill Pulte, his acting pick for director of national intelligence, will not be nominated for the role on a permanent basis, amid growing bipartisan concerns in the U.S. Senate over his lack of national security experience.

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump said Pulte “is not going to be permanent,” adding that he did not believe Pulte would want the position long-term. The president said the administration was reviewing alternative candidates for the post.

“We’re interviewing people right now,” Trump said, while describing Pulte as a “very smart guy” and praising his integrity.

Pulte, who currently serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), was elevated to the acting intelligence role following the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down last month citing personal reasons.

His interim appointment has drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who have raised concerns about his limited experience in national security and intelligence coordination. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence oversees 18 agencies responsible for domestic and foreign intelligence operations.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the intelligence post should be led by career professionals and warned against politicizing the role. Several Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and John Cornyn, have also expressed reservations about Pulte’s suitability for the position.

Democratic lawmakers have been more critical, with Senator Elizabeth Warren warning that placing Pulte in the intelligence role—even on an acting basis—poses risks to national security and could enable the misuse of sensitive information. In a letter to the president, Warren urged Trump to rescind the appointment, arguing that Americans “cannot trust him” with access to classified intelligence.

Concerns have also emerged over Pulte’s broader tenure at the FHFA, where he has taken an unusually active political role, including pursuing investigations into alleged mortgage fraud involving political opponents and publicly criticizing Federal Reserve officials. He has also promoted proposals such as a 50-year mortgage, which critics say would significantly slow wealth accumulation through homeownership.

Despite the controversy, Trump has continued to defend Pulte, citing his proximity to the administration and frequent travel with the president aboard Air Force One.

“He’s a person who’s got high integrity,” Trump said.

The debate over Pulte’s role highlights ongoing tensions in Washington over the politicization of intelligence leadership and the qualifications required to oversee the nation’s security agencies.