President Trump announced Tuesday that he is appointing Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William “Bill” Pulte to serve as acting director of national intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
In his statement, Trump highlighted Pulte’s experience, noting he has managed “the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.” Trump emphasized that Pulte will retain his roles as Federal Housing Finance Agency director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving in the intelligence post.
Pulte was confirmed earlier this year to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The appointment follows Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation from the directorship to support her husband following his diagnosis of a rare form of bone cancer. Gabbard’s departure is scheduled for June 30 after she led efforts to declassify government records and pursue reforms within the intelligence community during her tenure.
Trump noted that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now oversee more than $10 trillion in assets—a “substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago.” If Pulte is later nominated for a permanent role as director of national intelligence, he would require Senate confirmation.
This move marks a significant shift in the intelligence leadership succession plan. Earlier reporting had indicated that Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas would assume the acting role after Gabbard’s departure. Trump selected Pulte, who brings no prior experience in intelligence operations, for his dual responsibilities across housing finance and national intelligence.
