Pulte appointment as spy chief would give a Trump attack dog access to the ‘crown jewels’ of intelligence President Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence, a move that has alarmed intelligence analysts and lawmakers. Critics cite Pulte’s lack of experience in national intelligence and his history of using sensitive information from his current role to target political opponents. Concerns are high that this appointment could further politicize the office and lead to the weaponization of U.S. intelligence against domestic rivals.

• President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence.
• Analysts and lawmakers express concern over Pulte’s lack of experience in national intelligence and his past actions using housing agency data for political prosecutions.
• Critics fear Pulte could use the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to target political opponents and politicize U.S. intelligence gathering.
• The White House defended the appointment, stating Trump chooses the best people and Pulte will do a great job.
• Past actions by Pulte include referring political opponents for prosecution, with one case leading to a charge dismissed and another pending before the Supreme Court.
• Experts warn that Pulte’s appointment could allow access to the nation’s most sensitive secrets, including surveillance tools, potentially being used against American citizens.
• Concerns have been raised by former officials and current lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Vice Chairman of the Senate intelligence committee Mark Warner.
• The law creating the ODNI requires extensive national security experience and management expertise for the position, raising questions about the legality of Pulte’s appointment.
• Pulte can serve in an acting capacity for 210 days, during which time a full-time replacement would typically require Senate confirmation.