Trump appoints ally and FHFA chief Pulte as acting US intelligence director

He will remain director of Federal Housing Finance Agency and the chair of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Trump says

US Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington, DC, US, Jan 9, 2026. REUTERS

US President Donald Trump appointed federal housing regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday, elevating a political loyalist without national security experience to lead the country’s sprawling intelligence community.

In a social media post, Trump said Pulte, 38, would remain director of Federal Housing Finance Agency and the chair of federally supported mortgage-backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

"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 on his Truth Social platform.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's first director of national intelligence, announced plans to leave the post in May. Reuters reported she was forced from the role over friction with the White House. Gabbard said she resigned due to her husband's recent cancer diagnosis.

The US intelligence community is comprised of 18 agencies, including the CIA and National Security Agency, tasked with gathering data and information security threats both domestically and globally. The department has taken on increased importance in recent months due to Trump's war on Iran, recent attempted attacks on the president and federal officials, and a raft of brewing military engagements in South America.