Despite the DNI being legally required to have “extensive national security expertise,” Pulte has no national security experience. 

Donald Trump announced today that he is appointing Bill Pulte, the current Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as acting Director of National Intelligence. Pulte has been one of Trump’s most loyal henchmen, and has used his tenure in the administration to advance Trump’s extreme agenda. 

Pulte was reportedly the driving force behind various criminal investigations into Trump’s perceived political enemies. If confirmed, his new role will give him even more opportunity to weaponize the government for Trump’s retribution tour. 

In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement: 

“Donald Trump is continuing to install his loyalists to do his personal and political bidding, and now Bill Pulte will now have even more power to go after Trump’s perceived political enemies. Pulte has no experience in national security, and is now tasked with leading one of the top intelligence agencies as Trump continues to sow chaos at home. With Pulte’s appointment, Trump is once again filling his administration with loyal foot soldiers at the expense of Americans’ safety and security.”

REMINDER: Pulte’s stint as director of the FHFA has been marked by disastrous policies that would drive housing prices up — including a proposed 50-year mortgage plan that Pulte called “a complete game changer,” despite housing experts warning the proposal would raise housing costs even more.