Trump names controversial housing official Bill Pulte as acting intel chief

Washington — President Trump on Tuesday announced he’s tapping housing official Bill Pulte to serve as the acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard, who is stepping aside at the end of the month. 

Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has been one of the most controversial members of the administration. He has sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department alleging mortgage fraud by a number of Mr. Trump’s political foes, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and former Rep. Eric Swalwell.

He will remain director of the FHFA and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the president said, alongside his role leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. 

“I am appointing the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, William J. Pulte, to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “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. During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.