President Donald Trump is moving forward with his controversial plan to appoint political loyalist Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, a decision that has drawn bipartisan criticism and could block the renewal of a key surveillance law set to expire this week.
Pulte's Appointment and Congressional Reaction
Trump announced on Tuesday evening that Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, would take over the intelligence post on June 19, earlier than the scheduled departure of current director Tulsi Gabbard on June 30. The president met earlier with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the move.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed alarm over Pulte's lack of national security experience and his potential to use intelligence powers to target Trump's political opponents. Senate Republicans are urging the White House to nominate a permanent, confirmable candidate instead of relying on an acting appointment that avoids Senate confirmation.
Impact on FISA Renewal
Democratic leaders immediately warned that Pulte's installation would derail a bipartisan agreement to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which expires on Friday. The program, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign nationals, has been criticized for collecting domestic communications without a warrant.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that if Trump installs Pulte, Democrats will block the surveillance law's renewal. Jeffries called Pulte "deeply unqualified" and "dangerous," noting his lack of national security, military, or law enforcement experience. He also pointed to Pulte's history of using his position to target Trump's adversaries, such as filing mortgage fraud accusations against New York Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Adam Schiff, and Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook—cases that were dismissed or yielded no charges.
Jeffries insisted that Trump must withdraw Pulte's elevation before any progress can be made on FISA reforms.
