
United States President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), to serve as acting director of national intelligence (DNI), a move that, according to a New York Times report, is expected to cause reactions and opposition in Washington.
The announcement was made by Trump himself through the Truth Social platform, confirming that Pulte will temporarily take over the position currently held by Tulsi Gabbard.
According to the American newspaper, Pulte has no known experience in the field of national security or intelligence, but is considered one of the president's closest loyalists.
"Bill Pulte is a staunch Trump loyalist who has worked to get closer to the president," the New York Times wrote, citing administration officials who said he communicates directly with Trump.
Pulte will continue in parallel his current role as head of the FHFA, as well as the position of chairman of the financial institutions Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
According to the report, the appointment may be temporary and it is not yet clear whether Trump will officially nominate Pulte for Senate confirmation in this post.
The move comes at a time when the US president is seeking greater control over federal structures and is increasing pressure on institutions that, according to him, have not acted quickly enough to reveal the information he seeks.
"Trump and some of his allies have complained that the current team has not acted with the necessary speed to find materials of political interest to the president within the government," the New York Times reports.
The newspaper also recalls that Pulte has been involved in several episodes that have attracted public attention in recent months, including a clash with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as his demands for criminal prosecution of people whom Trump considers political opponents.