Republicans Rebuke Trump's 210-Day Spy Chief Pick Bill Pulte as Cabinet Allies Withhold Support
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Jun 3
Republicans Rebuke Trump's 210-Day Spy Chief Pick Bill Pulte as Cabinet Allies Withhold Support
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Jun 3
Summary
Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent declined in congressional hearings to defend Bill Pulte, deepening Republican resistance to Trump's plan to install the mortgage regulator as acting director of national intelligence.
Several GOP senators said Pulte's lack of national security experience was disqualifying, with Mitch McConnell and Thom Tillis saying they would oppose him if Trump sought to make the appointment permanent.
Pulte would oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies for up to 210 days despite no prior intelligence background, replacing Tulsi Gabbard when her term ends on June 30.
The backlash lands as Trump faces other signs of weakening control on Capitol Hill, even as allies such as Roger Stone argue Pulte's outsider status and loyalty are strengths.
Can one person effectively lead the U.S. intelligence community and its housing finance agency at the same time?
How will a DNI with no security background navigate escalating global threats from Iran, Russia, and China?
Trump’s Controversial Appointment: Bill Pulte as Acting DNI Sparks Bipartisan Alarm Over Politicization and National Security Risks
Overview
On June 3, 2026, President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation, sparking immediate and widespread criticism. Pulte, who continued to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency while taking on the DNI role, faced skepticism over his lack of intelligence experience and concerns about politicization. Experts highlighted the unusual and overwhelming dual responsibilities, questioning his qualifications and warning about risks to the independence and effectiveness of the intelligence community. This controversial move intensified debates about loyalty versus expertise in national security leadership and raised alarms about the future of U.S. intelligence operations.