Trump’s Strange Choice for Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte’s appointment as acting director of national intelligence is baffling due to his lack of intelligence background, national-security expertise, and his history of utilizing government prosecutorial powers for vindictive purposes. The article draws parallels to Friedrich Hayek’s theories on totalitarian systems, suggesting that individuals willing to ‘do immoral things’ rise to power. This appointment puts Americans at risk of abuses of power and dangers from abroad.

• Bill Pulte lacks a background in intelligence or national security expertise.
• Pulte has a record of using government prosecutorial powers for vindictive purposes.
• The appointment is compared to Friedrich Hayek’s observations on how ‘the worst get on top’ in totalitarian systems.
• The role of Director of National Intelligence requires judgment, wisdom, expertise, and integrity.
• Appointing Pulte is seen as putting Americans at risk of abuses of power and foreign dangers.