Trump names Bill Pulte, a vocal attack dog, to oversee national intelligence
by Tom Howell Jr. · The Washington TimesPresident Trump said Tuesday he will appoint William J. Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence after the departure of Tulsi Gabbard.
Mr. Trump’s decision, announced on social media, installs one of his staunchest supporters and attack dogs in a key role overseeing national secrets.
Mr. Pulte’s background is in investments and real estate, making him an unusual choice for the role, though Mr. Trump defended his credentials.
“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. During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac,” Mr. Trump wrote.
Mr. Pulte, 38, gained prominence last year for his aggressive moves to investigate certain persons for alleged mortgage fraud, including political targets such as New York Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Adam B. Schiff of California and Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook.
None of those have resulted in convictions.
Mr. Trump is filling the national intelligence role because Ms. Gabbard, a former congresswoman, announced her resignation to focus on her husband’s battle with cancer.
The Democratic National Committee said Mr. Pulte lacks credentials to oversee national intelligence and would serve as a “loyal foot soldier” to Mr. Trump.
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“Donald Trump is continuing to install his loyalists to do his personal and political bidding, and now Bill Pulte will have even more power to go after Trump’s perceived political enemies,” DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer said.
Vice President J.D. Vance backed his boss, saying Mr. Pulte is the right pick.
“Bill is a great guy who recognizes that the bureaucracy of the intel community must respond to the elected leadership (rather than the other way around). He’ll do great!” Mr. Vance said on social media.
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Tom Howell Jr.
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