New intel chief is a partisan warrior who has the president’s ear, sources say

Key Points:

• Bill Pulte, currently the chief housing regulator, is set to become acting director of national intelligence despite lacking experience in intelligence, military, or national security, raising concerns among former intelligence officials about potential misuse of intelligence for political purposes.
• Pulte is a trusted ally of President Trump, known for taking swift action against prominent Democratic critics, and is expected to focus on foreign threats to U.S. elections and investigating the so-called "deep state."
• Critics worry Pulte’s appointment signals Trump’s disregard for traditional intelligence expertise and could lead to selective declassification of intelligence to support partisan narratives ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
• The White House defends Pulte’s selection, emphasizing his loyalty and effectiveness, while some Republican senators have expressed doubts about his qualifications, potentially complicating his permanent confirmation.
• Concerns have been raised about the timing of Pulte’s appointment amid debates over reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a key but controversial surveillance authority used to monitor foreign threats.