Trump says Pulte won't be permanent national intelligence director
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump announced that Bill Pulte, recently appointed as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), will not be made permanent in the role, suggesting Pulte himself may not want the permanent position.
- Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has faced criticism for his lack of intelligence experience and perceived political partisanship.
- Trump hinted that Pulte might investigate domestic issues such as alleged election rigging, despite the intelligence community's traditional focus on foreign threats.
- The appointment has drawn bipartisan criticism, with Senate leaders emphasizing the need for experienced, non-partisan professionals in the DNI role rather than politically motivated figures.
- Trump stated that interviews are ongoing for a permanent DNI and described Pulte's role as a short-term caretaker who is smart and capable of quickly adapting to the position.