One Reason Trump Might Have Chosen His New Intelligence Chief Bill Pulte has been appointed acting Director of National Intelligence despite having no apparent intelligence experience, unlike his predecessor Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte’s background is marked by clashes with colleagues and a demonstrated history of using sensitive government data for political retribution against perceived enemies. This appointment is concerning given the DNI’s role in coordinating intelligence agencies, a function Pulte’s interpersonal style and lack of experience may hinder. Concerns are amplified by Pulte’s past use of agency data for investigations into political opponents, suggesting his potential access to classified information as DNI could lead to greater abuses.

• Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is named acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
• Pulte lacks apparent intelligence experience and has a history of clashing with colleagues.
• The DNI role was created post-9/11 to improve intelligence agency coordination.
• Pulte has previously used government data to investigate political opponents, raising concerns about potential abuses of power in his new role.
• The law establishing the DNI requires extensive national security expertise, which Pulte does not possess.