Trump names housing chief Bill Pulte as acting intelligence director

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, will serve as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who announced her resignation in May with an effective date of June 30.

Pulte, who previously owned a construction company and private equity firm, has no prior intelligence experience. He will retain his position as FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while assuming the acting intelligence role.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump cited Pulte's experience managing sensitive financial matters. "William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago," Trump said.

Pulte has been among the most controversial members of the Trump administration. As FHFA director, he has sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department alleging mortgage fraud by several of Trump's political opponents, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and former Representative Eric Swalwell. All four have denied wrongdoing.

Of the four individuals named in Pulte's referrals, only the investigation into James has resulted in criminal charges to date. That case was eventually dismissed. Trump cited the fraud allegations against Cook to justify her attempted firing, which is currently before the Supreme Court.

Democrats on Capitol Hill previously asked the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office to examine whether Pulte's actions as FHFA director raised concerns.

Trump had previously announced that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas would replace Gabbard in the role, but changed course with Tuesday's announcement of Pulte's appointment.