President Donald Trump has named Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as the acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), substituting Tulsi Gabbard, who has stepped down from the position.
Trump confirmed the move on Tuesday via Truth Social, citing that Pulte “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.” As per Trump, Pulte will remain in his current role while temporarily taking on intelligence leadership responsibilities.
Dual responsibilities alongside housing finance roles
Pulte now leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and serves as chair of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and he will retain these duties while acting as intelligence chief. A permanent appointment to the DNI role would need Senate confirmation.
The Director of National Intelligence oversees coordination in the U.S. intelligence community and advises the president, National Security Council, and Homeland Security Council on national security concerns.
Gabbard’s exit from the post
Tulsi Gabbard’s exit follows her resignation last month after she revealed her husband’s cancer diagnosis. Her tenure as intelligence chief was spotted as unconventional, and her exit has led to a rapid leadership transition.
Trump’s justification and repeated framing
Trump reiterated his confidence in Pulte, stating that he has experience managing “the most sensitive matters in America” and overseeing “over $10 trillion at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac,” highlighting growth in the institutions under his leadership.
He also confirmed that Pulte will remain overseeing the housing finance agencies in his interim intelligence role.
Who is Bill Pulte?
Bill Pulte (William John Pulte, born May 28, 1988) is an American businessman and government official who has held senior leadership positions in U.S. housing finance. Since 2025, he has served as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In June 2026, he was also nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, despite having no prior military or intelligence background.
Background and family
Pulte is the grandson of William J. Pulte, the founder of PulteGroup, a major residential construction organization in the United States. He studied broadcast journalism at Northwestern University, establishing an early foundation in media and communication before moving into business and public policy-related work.
Business and early career
In 2011, Pulte founded Pulte Capital, a private equity firm. Later, in 2015, he established The Blight Authority, a nonprofit organization concentrated on demolishing or rehabilitating abandoned and vacant homes. In 2016, amid internal family leadership disputes, he joined the board of PulteGroup, where he served a four-year term.
Appointment to intelligence role
In June 2026, President Trump named Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, after the announcement of resignation of Tulsi Gabbard effective later that month. The appointment signified a major shift, as Pulte has no formal experience in intelligence, counterterrorism, or military service, making the decision a subject of public and political discussion.
Background and political profile of Bill Pulte
Pulte’s professional background is primarily in housing finance and business rather than national security. He has had a major role in overseeing the stability of the mortgage system through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
In recent years, Pulte has taken a more visible political position, frequently targeting Trump’s critics. He has directed criticism at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate decisions and has referred allegations of mortgage fraud involving personalities such as Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Eric Swalwell, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. These cases have not led to convictions, and in some instances have been dismissed or challenged in court.
What comes next
Pulte’s appointment remains temporary, and the administration may later announce a formal nominee for Senate consideration. Currently, he will simultaneously handle national intelligence coordination and federal housing finance oversight, marking an unusual overlap of duties at the highest levels of government.
FAQs:
Q1. Who is Bill Pulte?Bill Pulte is an American businessman and government official. He leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversees major housing institutions.
Q2. What is his current role?
He serves as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He also manages oversight of key U.S. mortgage institutions.
