Congress questions Bill Pulte’s qualifications to be intelligence chief Senate lawmakers from both parties expressed surprise and questioned the qualifications of Bill Pulte, President Trump’s newly appointed acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, lacks apparent experience in national security or intelligence, unlike his predecessor. Concerns were raised about his neutrality and suitability for the nonpartisan role, especially given his past actions as FHFA head.

• Senate lawmakers were blindsided by President Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
• Several senators questioned Pulte’s qualifications, noting his lack of intelligence or national security experience.
• Pulte’s background is in real estate and private equity; he currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.
• Concerns were raised that Pulte’s appointment might politicize the nonpartisan role of intelligence director.
• Federal law requires nominees for the director of national intelligence position to have extensive national security expertise.