President Donald Trump has announced his decision to appoint Bill Pulte as the Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Trump’s directive is for Pulte to begin reducing the number of employees within the intelligence community, according to an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Trump’s decision follows the resignation of current DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down after her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Pulte will assume the interim position once Gabbard’s resignation is official on June 30. His main task includes cutting back on the personnel spread across 18 intelligence agencies.
“I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there,” Trump stated, referencing the intelligence community.
Bill Pulte, known for his role as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has been a controversial choice, stirring criticism from lawmakers, including former Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Thune expressed concern over the need for professional leadership rather than what he termed a ‘weaponized DNI.’
Despite the backlash, Trump’s support for Pulte stems from Pulte’s position as an outsider. “You’re less shackled,” Trump said, endorsing his selection process.
In the Oval Office, Trump reassured the public regarding potential challenges in confirming Pulte if considered for the permanent position. He emphasized that Pulte’s current role is temporary while a search for a permanent replacement continues. Trump also suggested that Pulte could make significant changes before a permanent director assumes the role.
Pulte, who additionally chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has already influenced legislative discussions. The opposition from Democrats to the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) grew stronger with Pulte’s appointment. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., noted Democratic resistance to FISA reauthorization as long as Pulte leads intelligence.
Fox News Digital reached out to Leader Thune, Senator Warner, and Bill Pulte for comments. Efforts to get more detailed responses are ongoing.
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