US President Donald Trump has appointed housing regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, handing oversight of America’s intelligence agencies to a political ally with no previous national security experience.

Pulte replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who is set to leave the role after serving since February 2025.

The appointment allows Pulte to serve for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation.

Multiple Jobs, Vast Responsibilities

At 38, Pulte currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Trump said Pulte would continue in those positions while also overseeing the 18 agencies that make up the US intelligence community.

That includes supervision of agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.

The appointment comes as Washington faces multiple foreign policy challenges, including tensions with Iran, Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing competition with China.

Critics Question Qualifications

The decision drew immediate criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who argued that Pulte lacks the experience required to oversee the nation’s intelligence apparatus.

Republican Senator John Cornyn said he had seen little evidence that Pulte was qualified for the role, while Senate Republican leader John Thune suggested a permanent nomination could face significant scrutiny in Congress.

Democrats were even more critical, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer describing Pulte as a partisan figure unsuited to a national security position.

Political Controversies

As housing regulator, Pulte has repeatedly called for investigations into several of Trump’s political opponents over alleged mortgage fraud.

Among those targeted were New York Attorney General Letitia James, California Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

None of the allegations have resulted in criminal convictions, and those accused have denied wrongdoing.

Critics argue that Pulte’s record raises concerns about the politicisation of a traditionally non-partisan intelligence post.

A Key Test For Trump’s Intelligence Team

Pulte’s appointment follows reports of friction between Gabbard and the White House before her departure.

His tenure will now be closely watched as he assumes responsibility for coordinating intelligence assessments during a period of significant geopolitical uncertainty.

Whether he remains beyond the temporary appointment period could ultimately depend on whether Trump decides to seek Senate confirmation for the role.

(with inputs from Reuters)