Trump Names Housing Regulator Bill Pulte to Lead US Intelligence Community in Acting Role

June 3, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

President Donald Trump has appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, placing a mortgage regulator with no national security background in charge of the United States intelligence community during a period of global tensions and war-related security concerns.

The appointment gives Pulte oversight of 18 intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, while he continues to serve as head of the housing regulator.

Pulte, 38, will serve in an acting capacity for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation, a timeframe that could extend through the November midterm elections.

Trump defended the move in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying Pulte has experience managing sensitive financial institutions.

The appointment drew criticism in Washington, with Democrats and at least one Republican questioning Pulte’s lack of experience in intelligence and national security affairs.