Trump names Bill Pulte as actingBill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence
US President Donald Trump on June 2 named housing regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence in Washington. The choice puts a close ally with no national security background in charge of the US intelligence community and drew criticism from lawmakers in both parties, making the move a test of trust in one of the country’s most sensitive posts.
Trump Administration
The White House presented Pulte as a capable manager with experience overseeing large financial institutions and complex federal operations. It said he could handle sensitive national responsibilities while continuing his other duties.
Democratic Critics
Senate Democrats said the appointment signaled that the president wanted a loyalist rather than an independent intelligence chief. They warned that the job should go to a seasoned national security professional.
Republican Concerns
Some Republican lawmakers questioned whether Pulte had the qualifications for the role and warned against politicizing the intelligence office. They said the post should be insulated from partisan use.
- The DNI post was established in 2004 as part of post-9/11 intelligence reforms.
- Housing finance regulators often manage huge balance sheets that can rival major banks.
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac still shape US mortgage rates and credit access worldwide through global financial markets.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
