Trump Nominates Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump has announced that Bill Pulte will be appointed as the acting Director of National Intelligence following Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation. Gabbard decided to step down on June 30 due to her husband’s bone cancer diagnosis.

Pulte, who currently heads Freddie Mac, will now take on the role in early June. His appointment is temporary, with a maximum duration of 210 days, and he will not need Senate approval.

Trump’s goal is for Pulte to initiate significant changes. He aims to streamline the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) by reducing its size and personnel before a permanent director is nominated.

I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there, stated Trump, noting holdovers from prior administrations.

While the White House has not confirmed if Pulte will be nominated for a permanent position, Trump feels that Pulte’s temporary status allows for swift action without the constraints a permanent director might face. You’re less shackled, Trump said, indicating that temporary roles offer more latitude for change.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton supports efforts to downsize the ODNI, suggesting the agency exceeds its original mandate. Cotton expressed concern about the office’s expansion since its establishment in 2004 after the 9/11 Commission recommended improved coordination among intelligence agencies.

The office manages and coordinates the work of 18 intelligence agencies. Cotton had introduced legislation in 2026 to cap ODNI personnel at 650 employees, although outgoing Director Gabbard had reduced the office’s workforce by 25% previously.

Trump’s selection of Pulte, lacking a background in intelligence or national security, has startled many lawmakers. Former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell raised questions about the appointment, emphasizing the need for national security expertise in the role.

However, despite concerns, Trump argues that Pulte’s temporary position gives him the flexibility needed to enact important changes at ODNI, ensuring much of the required restructuring work is completed before a permanent director takes over.