Director of national intelligence role: Trump says Bill Pulte will not be permanent pick

President Donald Trump said Bill Pulte will not remain as the acting director of national intelligence. Trump made the comment after lawmakers questioned Pulte’s lack of security experience. The national intelligence job needs Senate approval. Several senators suggested that confirmation looked unlikely if Pulte was nominated.

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Trump spoke in the Oval Office while answering questions after an event on coal. "Hes not going to be permanent because, you know, I dont think hed want to be permanent,\" Trump said. Trump added that other names were being reviewed. \"Were interviewing people right now,\" Trump said.

Bill Pulte and national intelligence director role

Senators from both parties raised doubts about Pulte leading the office. The director coordinates 18 federal agencies on security matters at home and abroad. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, said the role should not be weaponized. John Thune said it should be run by professionals.

Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and John Cornyn of Texas also voiced concern. The senators are each leaving the chamber after this years elections. Their comments added to the resistance already building on Capitol Hill. That resistance grew as questions focused on Pulte’s credentials.

Bill Pulte record at Federal Housing Finance Agency

Pulte has drawn criticism inside the administration in another job. Pulte leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Pulte is the grandson of the founder of PulteGroup. In that role, Pulte pursued Trump’s political rivals over alleged mortgage fraud claims.

Pulte also attacked Jerome Powell in public, according to the report. Powell’s term as Federal Reserve chairman recently ended. The episode followed months of pressure from Trump and Pulte. They criticised Powell for not cutting the central bank’s benchmark rates.

The housing finance regulator also proposed a 50-year mortgage. The plan faced a backlash after critics said wealth building would slow. Trump described Pulte positively despite the disputes. \"Hes a person whos got high integrity,\" Trump said on Thursday about Pulte.

Bill Pulte ties to Trump and internal friction

At a hearing on Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed reports of conflict. Scott Bessent said he had threatened to fight Pulte in September of 2025. The statement signalled strain around Pulte’s leadership style. Despite that, Pulte has travelled often on Air Force One.

Trump said Pulte is \"a very smart guy\" and may review past elections. Trump has claimed those elections were rigged against Trump without credible evidence. Trump also said more candidates are being considered for the permanent nomination. The administration is now weighing options after Tulsi Gabbard resigned last month.

Tulsi Gabbard stepped down from the national intelligence director post last month. Tulsi Gabbard cited a recent cancer diagnosis involving Tulsi Gabbard’s husband. Trump’s latest comments signalled that Bill Pulte is unlikely to be put forward. Lawmakers’ concerns and the Senate process remained key barriers.

With inputs from PTI