Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has raised concerns in Washington, with critics warning that a staunch loyalist lacking intelligence experience now oversees US spy agencies. Pulte, nicknamed 'Little Trump' by some, previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) despite having no government background.
At FHFA, Pulte quickly dismantled parts of the agency, firing board members and appointing himself chair. He also used his position to target Trump's political opponents, referring figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and former Representative Eric Swalwell for mortgage fraud—allegations widely seen as weak. He reportedly pushed for an indictment against James and encouraged Trump to replace a prosecutor who resisted.
Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the intelligence committee, stated: 'Rather than selecting a respected national security professional capable of delivering independent judgments, the president has chosen an official who has demonstrated not just willingness but eagerness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution.' Warner added that Pulte's elevation signals Trump wants intelligence shaped around his wishes, not facts.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed caution, saying 'we don't need a weaponized' intelligence director and that Pulte would face a 'lengthy road ahead' if nominated permanently. Republican Senators Susan Collins and James Lankford also voiced unfamiliarity with Pulte's intelligence background, with Lankford emphasising the role should be 'neutral'.
Pulte, whose grandfather founded homebuilder PulteGroup, gained Trump's favour through Mar-a-Lago membership and campaign donations. He has a reputation for pushing unvetted ideas directly to the president, reportedly leading White House staff to try to prevent him from catching Trump alone.
