WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday appointed a close ally with no national security background to lead the country’s intelligence community, while allowing him to retain his existing responsibilities overseeing housing and mortgage policy.
Bill Pulte, currently head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), was named acting director of national intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down in late May. Her departure followed reports of disagreements with Trump regarding the conflict with Iran.
The DNI oversees the US intelligence community and serves as the president’s principal intelligence adviser. US law stipulates that the office holder should possess “extensive national security expertise,” an area in which Pulte has no professional experience.
Announcing the appointment on social media, Trump praised Pulte, stating that he “has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets.”
Trump also confirmed that Pulte would continue leading the FHFA and overseeing mortgage finance institutions Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac alongside his new role.
Political Controversies
Pulte, 38, has earned a reputation in US political circles for aggressively targeting Trump’s opponents. Several media outlets have described him as the president’s “attack dog.”
He has publicly accused Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James of providing false information on mortgage applications.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, an internal complaint at Fannie Mae alleged that Pulte improperly accessed mortgage records belonging to James and other Democratic officials.
A federal grand jury indicted James in October, but the case was dismissed without prejudice a month later, leaving open the possibility that charges could be refiled.
Allegations Against Federal Reserve Official
Pulte has also backed a mortgage fraud case involving Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Trump later cited the case in an attempt to remove Cook from her position.
The legal dispute remains under review by the US Supreme Court, with a final decision still pending.
