Federal Housing Finance Agency director named acting director of national intelligence

The Federal Housing Finance Agency director became the acting director of national intelligence on Friday. The outgoing director had initially planned to leave the post on 30 June, but the departure date was moved forward. Senators had been scheduled to confirm the president’s nominee by Friday, which would have prevented the acting appointment.

Appointment process The president canceled the Senate confirmation hearing for the nominee on Wednesday and directed the nominee not to appear. The delay leaves the Federal Housing Finance Agency director in charge of both the 18 U.S. spy agencies and the federal housing agency.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency director has no background in intelligence work. Last year the director referred several Democrats for prosecution on mortgage fraud allegations, including Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, New York attorney general Letitia James, former California representative Eric Swalwell and California senator Adam Schiff.

Congressional reaction The top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, Mark Warner of Virginia, said the selection showed the president was not seeking an intelligence leader who would follow the facts. With the nominee’s confirmation on hold, the acting director could remain in the role long enough to examine election-related matters.

The outgoing director had previously appeared at an FBI raid on an election facility in Fulton county, Georgia, and authorized the seizure of voting machines in Puerto Rico.