Tillis Says Bill Pulte Lacks 51 Votes for DNI Confirmation as Trump Installs Him as Acting Chief
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 3
Tillis Says Bill Pulte Lacks 51 Votes for DNI Confirmation as Trump Installs Him as Acting Chief
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 3
Summary
Sen. Thom Tillis said Bill Pulte has "no prayer" of Senate confirmation as director of national intelligence, arguing the Trump appointee lacks even the 51 votes needed on the floor.
Pulte was named acting DNI on Tuesday despite no known intelligence background, no apparent prior security clearance and, Tillis said, no geopolitical or international experience suited to the job.
Trump is keeping Pulte in multiple roles at once—acting DNI, FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—raising the prospect the administration could avoid a confirmation fight by leaving him in acting status.
The criticism adds to backlash over Pulte, a Trump loyalist who has used his housing-agency post to target political foes and is replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who said she will resign on June 30.