Trump says Pulte won’t be permanent pick for intel chief President Donald Trump stated that Bill Pulte, the acting director of national intelligence, will not be a permanent appointee. Republicans have expressed concerns regarding Pulte’s lack of national security experience and a history of actions that could lead to the politicization of intelligence. Trump defended Pulte, drawing a parallel to his own experience.

• President Trump confirmed Bill Pulte will only serve as acting director of national intelligence, not permanently.
• Republicans are concerned about Pulte’s lack of national security experience and potential to politicize intelligence.
• Pulte’s past actions as Trump’s Federal Housing Finance Agency director involved referring political opponents to the Justice Department.
• Trump suggested Pulte might investigate “rigged elections” and defended his intelligence experience by comparing it to his own.
• Pulte’s appointment follows the removal of Deputy Director Aaron Lukas.