President Donald J. Trump has selected Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence, raising questions about his qualifications for the role.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the current director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) following Tulsi Gabbard’s announced resignation. Pulte will retain his roles as FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving in this new capacity. 📍 WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and follows Gabbard’s earlier decision to step down effective June 30. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “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,” President Trump stated on Truth Social. 🎯 IMPACT: In his housing role, Pulte recommended that the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigate prominent figures such as Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) for mortgage fraud, suggesting that he will be willing to take strong action against senior officials in his new role. 📺 DETAIL: Pulte’s appointment follows an earlier announcement that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas would temporarily fill the DNI role after Gabbard’s departure. Gabbard is stepping back to support her husband as he battles a rare form of bone cancer, saying, “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.” President Trump has thanked Gabbard for doing an “incredible job” and stressed that she will be missed. |
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