Trump Appoints Federal Housing Finance Director William Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

President Trump appointed William J. Pulte acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday. The move fills the vacancy created by Tulsi Gabbard’s planned departure at the end of June. Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social.

He stated that Pulte would serve in the acting role while remaining director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. "I am appointing the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, William J.

Trump noted Pulte’s experience managing more than 10 trillion dollars at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He described the amount as an increase from the level recorded 12 months earlier. Pulte has no prior experience in national security or intelligence roles.

He previously owned a construction company and private equity firm before entering federal housing oversight. Trump had previously indicated that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas would assume the acting role after Gabbard’s exit. The White House did not immediately clarify whether Lukas would retain his current position or when Pulte’s tenure would begin.

Gabbard announced last month that she would step down after her husband was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer. Her departure also follows reported disagreements with other administration officials over foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran. The selection places the intelligence community under an official who will simultaneously lead two housing finance entities.