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Krishnamoorthi rejects Pulte for Acting DNI
The Illinois congressman said intelligence leadership should be based on experience, not political loyalty.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 02, Jun 2026
- 15:52 EDT
- 27
Raja Krishnamoorthi/ Bill Pulte / Reuters/ Northwestern University
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi criticized President Donald Trump's decision to appoint Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, arguing that the move places political loyalty above national security considerations.
In a statement, Krishnamoorthi, a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said Pulte lacks the national security background typically associated with the country's highest intelligence position.
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“President Trump’s decision to name Bill Pulte, a housing finance official with no national security experience, as Acting Director of National Intelligence puts political loyalty ahead of national security while our country is at war,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“At a moment of growing threats around the world, America needs experienced intelligence leadership, not political loyalty tests.”
The congressman also criticized Pulte’s record in government, alleging that investigations pursued under his leadership targeted the president’s political opponents and failed to withstand legal scrutiny.
“Mr. Pulte’s record in government has centered on investigations targeting the President’s political enemies, efforts that crumbled when they faced legal scrutiny,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Americans need intelligence leadership focused on protecting our nation, not pursuing President Trump’s political revenge tour.”
Trump announced the appointment on June 2, naming Pulte, the current director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to temporarily lead the U.S. intelligence community following the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte is expected to continue overseeing the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) while serving as acting DNI.
The appointment has drawn scrutiny because Pulte's background is primarily in housing finance and business rather than intelligence, military affairs, or national security. Before leading the FHFA, Pulte was known as a businessman and investor and is a member of the family behind the Pulte homebuilding fortune.
According to reports, Pulte will be permitted to serve as acting DNI without Senate confirmation for up to 210 days. His appointment comes at a time of heightened international tensions and internal challenges within the U.S. intelligence community.
The Director of National Intelligence oversees and coordinates the work of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and serves as the principal intelligence adviser to the president on national security matters.
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