politics

Trump Names Controversial Housing Official Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

Updated on: June 2, 2026 / 7:50 PM EDT / CBS News

Trump Names Controversial Housing Official Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

TL;DR

  • Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), has been named acting director of national intelligence.
  • Pulte has faced scrutiny for directing criminal referrals for mortgage fraud against several political figures, who deny wrongdoing.
  • The Government Accountability Office is investigating FHFA's mortgage fraud investigation procedures.
  • Pulte will continue his roles at FHFA and as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Democrats and some independent senators have expressed concerns about Pulte's lack of national security experience and the political implications of his appointment.
  • The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has undergone significant restructuring under its previous director, Tulsi Gabbard.