Trump urges new spy chief Pulte to gut US intelligence community

President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for the incoming acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte, to reduce the number of employees within the intelligence community. Trump stated he would not object if Pulte "cut" staff, suggesting the office's employee count has been "way too high for way too long." Pulte, a Trump loyalist currently heading the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was appointed to the acting intelligence chief role on Tuesday. Trump previously told The Wall Street Journal that he believes many individuals in the intelligence agencies "shouldn't be there," citing holdovers from previous administrations. Democrats have criticized Pulte's appointment, citing his history of using government records against Trump's political adversaries.

President Donald Trump has suggested that Bill Pulte, whom he appointed as acting director of national intelligence, will investigate "rigged elections." Pulte, currently director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is a Trump loyalist without prior national intelligence experience. Trump stated Pulte's role is temporary, citing his "energy" and "high integrity." This appointment has drawn bipartisan criticism, with Republican leaders emphasizing the need for professionals with extensive national security experience. Democrats have expressed concern that Pulte may use government authority for political retribution. Pulte previously referred several officials for alleged mortgage fraud, which critics deemed politically motivated.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will not nominate Bill Pulte for a permanent position as the nation's intelligence chief. Pulte's temporary appointment as acting director of national intelligence is set to expire early next year. This decision comes after significant backlash from Democrats and some Republican senators regarding Pulte's lack of national security experience. Trump made these remarks to reporters in the Oval Office, indicating that Pulte would not be nominated to permanently lead the US intelligence community.

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence and wants him to reduce the size of the office. Trump stated that the office has been "way too high for way too long" and has asked Pulte to begin firing employees, particularly those who served in previous Democratic administrations. Pulte, who previously headed the Federal Housing Finance Agency and lacks apparent national security expertise, was tapped for the temporary role amidst bipartisan Senate resistance. This appointment has complicated the renewal of a key surveillance program. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence had already undergone significant scaling back under previous leadership, with budget and workforce reductions announced in August. Trump indicated he would not formally nominate Pulte for the permanent position.

The Senate blocked an extension of a key surveillance program used by U.S. intelligence agencies in a 47-52 vote early Friday. This procedural vote, which would have set up a final vote next week, was opposed by Democrats and seven Republicans, complicating efforts to renew the program before its June 12 expiration. Concerns over President Trump's selection of Bill Pulte as director of national intelligence, due to his lack of experience and past controversies, were cited as a primary reason for the opposition. Critics of the surveillance program also want a warrant requirement when Americans' communications are accessed. The Senate is expected to attempt to pass the legislation again next week.

Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence, a decision that has raised concerns in Washington. Pulte, nicknamed "Little Trump," lacks national intelligence experience and previously held no government roles before being appointed to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). At the FHFA, he reportedly made significant changes, including board firings and self-appointment as chair. Pulte has been noted for his loyalty to Trump and has been accused of using government authority to pursue political retribution, such as referring officials like Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook and New York attorney general Letitia James for mortgage fraud. Critics argue his appointment politicizes the intelligence community and compromises national security.

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as the acting Director of National Intelligence. Pulte, who has no known intelligence background, will also continue in his role at the FHFA, overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Trump stated that Pulte has extensive experience managing sensitive matters and the financial markets. Pulte's selection has generated controversy, with accusations that he used his FHFA position to target perceived political enemies through mortgage fraud referrals. The outgoing Director's last day is June 30th.

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting Director of National Intelligence. Pulte will replace Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned due to her husband's cancer diagnosis. Trump announced the surprise decision on social media, citing Pulte's experience managing the financial markets and over $10 trillion at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Pulte will retain his current positions while serving in the new role. The article suggests this appointment prioritizes loyalty over traditional intelligence or military experience.

President Donald Trump has appointed federal housing regulator Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, who previously served as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, will oversee America's intelligence agencies. Trump announced the appointment on Tuesday, stating Pulte will replace Tulsi Gabbard. This move places a Trump ally with a background in housing finance, rather than national security, in charge of the intelligence community, which includes agencies like the CIA and NSA. Pulte will also continue his responsibilities regulating the mortgage market. Trump cited Pulte's experience managing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as a qualification for the role.