In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump has named Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence (DNI). The move elevates a housing finance official with no intelligence background to one of the government’s top national security posts.
Courtesy Federal Housing Finance Agency
Bill Pulte
The 38-year-old Pulte will replace outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who announced she will step down at the end of June due to her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
While taking on the acting intelligence position, Pulte will also retain his current roles leading the FHFA and serving as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Trump has pointed to Pulte’s oversight of the housing finance system, including more than $10 trillion tied to the mortgage giants, as evidence of his ability to manage “the most sensitive matters” in the country.
Background:
Pulte, grandson of the late PulteGroup founder William J. Pulte, was confirmed as FHFA director in March 2025, where he oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the broader housing finance system. His tenure has been marked both by aggressive oversight of the mortgage market and high-profile fraud accusations targeting political figures.
According to headlines, the acting appointment has already drawn scrutiny due to his lack of national security experience, with both Democrats and some Republicans questioning the selection.
