WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte to serve as director of national intelligence on Tuesday, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, according to a social media announcement from Trump.
Trump said Pulte would continue his duties overseeing housing agencies while taking on leadership of the U.S. intelligence community.
Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, does not have prior national security experience. Federal law requires the director of national intelligence to have extensive national security expertise.
Trump described Pulte as having experience managing sensitive matters related to financial markets.
Gabbard said last month that she would step down as director of national intelligence to care for her husband, who is being treated for cancer.
Pulte has previously drawn attention for actions targeting Democratic officials, including allegations involving mortgage applications by Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The Wall Street Journal reported that an internal complaint at Fannie Mae alleged Pulte accessed mortgage records of James and other officials without authorization. Pulte has also supported mortgage fraud allegations involving Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a case that remains under legal review.
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner criticized the appointment, saying Pulte had demonstrated willingness to use government authority for political purposes.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also questioned Pulte’s qualifications during remarks on the Senate floor.
Vice President JD Vance defended the appointment, saying Pulte supports aligning the intelligence community with elected leadership.
Pulte previously served as FHFA director and was involved in internal actions related to ethics investigations and diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the agency.
His appointment comes as his predecessor, Gabbard, faced criticism from lawmakers over her positions on foreign policy issues during her tenure.