Trump rules out PulteTrump rules out Pulte as permanent intelligence chief
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Bill Pulte will serve only in an acting role as director of national intelligence and will not be nominated permanently.
The announcement follows backlash over Pulte’s use of federal posts to target Trump’s perceived political rivals and other officials. The decision matters because the intelligence chief oversees sensitive national security work and the nomination will shape control of the US spy apparatus.
Trump administration
The White House’s account frames Pulte as a temporary choice who can handle the job while broader staffing decisions continue. Trump also presented him as a loyal and capable official who can contribute to national security.
Critics
Critics see the move as part of a broader effort to place loyalists in powerful government roles. They argue that Pulte’s past actions raised concerns about using public office for political retaliation.
- The Director of National Intelligence position was established in 2004.
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were central to the 2008 US housing crisis.
- The Federal Housing Finance Agency oversees the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
