Trump says Pulte won’t be his nominee for director of national intelligence
Trump said Pulte lacks the national-security background senators want for Senate confirmation and said other candidates are under consideration.
- On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced that federal housing finance regulator Bill Pulte will not be his permanent director of national intelligence, stating he is currently interviewing other candidates for the post.
- Bipartisan concern from lawmakers on Capitol Hill regarding Pulte's lack of national security experience prompted the decision, with senators including John Thune, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and John Cornyn cautioning the role requires professionals.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously threatened to fight the nomination in September 2025, revealing internal friction; Pulte also faced criticism for pitching a controversial 50-year mortgage and pursuing alleged fraud cases against political rivals.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated the role shouldn't be "weaponized" and should be led by "professionals," though Trump described Pulte as a person of "high integrity" and a close associate despite the opposition.
- Following the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard last month due to her husband's health, the administration now seeks a nominee capable of navigating Senate confirmation for the 18-agency intelligence role.
32 Articles
32 Articles
After Pushback, Trump Says Pulte Is a Temporary Choice
President Trump said Thursday that the man he just put in charge of America's spy agencies is only keeping the seat warm. Two days after naming Federal Housing Finance Agency chief Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, CNBC reports, Trump told reporters that Pulte "is not going to...
Trump Says Bill Pulte Won’t Be Director of National Intelligence Permanently
CBS News President Trump told reporters Thursday that Bill Pulte, his controversial pick for acting director of national intelligence, won’t be nominated to the role permanently, and the administration is interviewing other candidates to fill the role in the long term. But while Pulte is heading up the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the president said he may “find out some things about the rigged elections,” a notable comment…
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