Former Trump official calls acting intelligence director pick 'incomprehensible'

Key Points:

• President Trump's nomination of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has sparked bipartisan concern due to Pulte's lack of national security experience and his controversial tenure as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
• John Bolton criticized the appointment, suggesting Pulte might use the intelligence agency for political retribution, similar to actions taken in his previous role, and expressed worry about the precedent set by outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard.
• Bolton highlighted risks to national security, noting that foreign intelligence partners may lose trust and withhold critical information, potentially harming U.S. intelligence capabilities.
• Despite potential access to all sensitive intelligence as the top intelligence official, Pulte's nomination faces subtle opposition from Senate Republicans, though Trump's use of an acting appointment bypasses the need for Senate approval.
• The bipartisan unease centers on Pulte's qualifications and the perception that loyalty to Trump, rather than expertise, is driving the appointment.