What Trump Wants From Bill Pulte William Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has been appointed acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by President Trump. Critics argue Pulte lacks the necessary national security experience required by law, but the article posits that Trump may be seeking a DNI who will prioritize declassifying documents to support conspiracy theories and target political adversaries, rather than coordinating intelligence agencies. This perspective highlights a contrast with the previous acting DNI, Tulsi Gabbard, and suggests Pulte’s actions, such as making criminal referrals against political opponents, align with Trump’s apparent objectives.

• William Pulte, the heir to a home-construction company, has been appointed acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by President Trump.
• Critics argue Pulte lacks the required national security experience and that his appointment is against common sense and the law.
• The article suggests Trump may prefer a DNI who declassifies documents to fuel conspiracy theories and targets political enemies, rather than one focused on coordinating intelligence.
• Pulte has made criminal referrals against political adversaries, including Lisa Cook, Adam Schiff, Letitia James, and Eric Swalwell, for alleged mortgage fraud.
• Intelligence officials and lawmakers expressed disbelief and concern over Pulte’s appointment, with some fearing the office might be “weaponized” or dismantled.
• Pulte will continue to run the housing agency while serving as acting DNI, an arrangement that bypasses the Senate’s advice-and-consent role.
• The article speculates that Trump may be using Pulte’s appointment to diminish the ODNI’s reputation, potentially making it easier to abolish the office in the future.