New intel chief is a partisan warrior who has the president’s ear, sources say

President Donald Trump has selected Bill Pulte, the current head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting director of national intelligence starting late this month. Sources close to Trump describe Pulte as a trusted ally who shares the president’s urgency and frequently advises him at the White House and his Florida properties. Despite having no prior experience in intelligence, military service, or national security, Pulte will oversee the U.S. intelligence community, including its surveillance tools and global spy network. Former intelligence officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations have expressed concerns that Pulte’s appointment signals a disregard for professional expertise in the field. They warn that his lack of background could lead to politicized use of intelligence, including targeting political opponents or justifying federal election oversight—a priority for Trump, who has repeatedly called for federal intervention in state-run elections. Trump falsely claims Democrats stole the 2020 election, despite no evidence of widespread fraud. The White House defended the appointment, with spokesman Davis Ingle stating that Trump selects the ‘best and most talented people’ for his administration. Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, praised Pulte for his efficiency and loyalty, suggesting he will aggressively pursue Trump’s agenda, including investigating the ‘deep state’ and countering CIA narratives. Pulte’s mandate includes addressing foreign threats to U.S. elections, a role left open after Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation due to her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups have raised alarms about potential misuse of intelligence agencies to undermine election integrity. They fear Trump may exploit national security concerns to justify federal interference in state elections, despite constitutional authority resting with the states. The appointment has sparked bipartisan skepticism in Congress over Pulte’s qualifications and the administration’s commitment to nonpartisan intelligence operations.