President Trump announced Tuesday that Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William “Bill” Pulte will serve as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard. The surprise nomination reshapes the leadership landscape for America’s intelligence community, overriding earlier expectations that Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas would assume the role.
Trump highlighted Pulte’s experience in managing “the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over $10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac,” emphasizing that Pulte will retain his existing positions as both FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Pulte’s appointment follows Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation from the intelligence role last month to support her husband after a rare bone cancer diagnosis. Gabbard’s departure is scheduled for June 30, ending her tenure marked by efforts to declassify government records and implement intelligence reforms.
This move places Pulte in an unusual dual-hat assignment spanning housing finance and national security, with no prior experience in the intelligence community. The White House has not specified when Pulte’s transition begins or how duties will be divided during the handoff from Gabbard.
Pulte, a longtime figure in homebuilding and community development who founded Pulte Capital Partners LLC and serves on the board of Pulte Homes, previously gained attention for his philanthropy through initiatives targeting urban blight in Detroit, St. Louis, and Pontiac. His selection underscores Trump’s intent to control the DNI transition directly rather than following established protocols.