President Donald Trump officially nominated Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence. The major personnel move comes following the sudden resignation of former Director Tulsi Gabbard.
Trump made the high-profile announcement on Truth Social on Tuesday. He praised Pulte's extensive leadership experience and his current role as the chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over $10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” the president wrote.
Trump further noted that the new acting intelligence chief will maintain his current financial oversight roles. Pulte will continue his work at the housing agencies while awaiting official Senate confirmation to lead the intelligence community.
He “will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac,” Trump confirmed in his post.
Gabbard previously revealed she would be stepping down from the Trump administration effective June 30. She shared her official resignation letter in a May 22 post on X.
The former Hawaii congresswoman explained that she is leaving the position to support her family during a difficult medical battle. Her husband is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment for a serious health condition.
Gabbard described the illness as “an extremely rare form of bone cancer” in her public statement. She sadly added that her husband “faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months.”
The Federal Housing Finance Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the new appointment. The Senate will need to formally confirm Pulte before he can officially take over the intelligence position on a full-time basis.