President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who is stepping down later this month to care for her husband following a serious cancer diagnosis.
The move places one of Trump’s most trusted allies in charge of coordinating the nation’s intelligence community, despite Pulte having no previous senior-level intelligence or national security experience.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Pulte’s leadership overseeing the nation’s housing finance system.
“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” Trump wrote. “During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!”
Pulte will continue serving as FHFA Director while simultaneously leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in an acting capacity. The unusual arrangement has already drawn attention because the DNI is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and other members of the intelligence community.
Who Is William Pulte?
Pulte is best known as a businessman, investor, and housing finance regulator rather than a national security official.
He is the grandson of William J. Pulte, founder of homebuilding giant PulteGroup. Before entering government, Pulte worked in private equity and construction-related businesses and became widely known on social media for his philanthropic giveaways and advocacy efforts.
Trump appointed Pulte to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, where he oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored mortgage giants that support much of the U.S. housing market. Under his leadership, the FHFA has pursued reforms aimed at strengthening the mortgage system while expanding homeownership opportunities.
Pulte has also emerged as one of Trump’s most outspoken allies in government. In recent months, he has referred several prominent Trump critics to federal authorities for investigation over alleged mortgage fraud, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Those allegations have been strongly disputed by the individuals involved.
Because Trump designated Pulte as acting DNI rather than formally nominating him to the permanent position, observers have speculated that Senate confirmation could prove difficult given his lack of intelligence experience and the politically charged nature of his recent actions.
Gabbard Steps Down to Care for Husband
Pulte’s appointment follows the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who announced last month that she would leave the administration effective June 30.
Gabbard said she made the decision after her husband, filmmaker Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. (RELATED: Tulsi Gabbard Resigning As National Intelligence Director)
The former Hawaii congresswoman and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel served as Trump’s top intelligence official beginning in February 2025. During her tenure, she oversaw the nation’s intelligence agencies and became a central figure in several administration efforts involving intelligence reform and declassification initiatives.
In her resignation letter to President Trump, Gabbard wrote:
“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”
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Gabbard added: “Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage — standing steadfast through my deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, multiple political campaigns and now my service in this role.”
“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she continued. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”
She added that while significant progress had been made during her tenure, her family’s needs had to take priority during what she described as a difficult and uncertain period.
Trump accepted Gabbard’s resignation and praised her service to the administration.
Questions Surrounding the Appointment
Pulte’s appointment immediately raises questions about the future direction of the intelligence community.
Traditionally, Directors of National Intelligence have come from backgrounds in intelligence, military leadership, diplomacy, or national security. Pulte’s experience centers primarily on housing finance, business, and financial oversight.
Supporters argue that his experience managing sensitive financial systems and large government-backed institutions demonstrates the leadership skills needed to oversee a complex bureaucracy. Critics counter that intelligence operations require specialized expertise that Pulte has not previously demonstrated.
For now, Trump appears to be relying on a trusted ally to temporarily fill one of the government’s most sensitive positions while maintaining leadership at the FHFA.
Pulte is expected to assume his intelligence responsibilities following Gabbard’s departure on June 30.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
