Trump's Surprise Pick: Bill Pulte to Oversee US Intelligence Community After Gabbard's Departure

US President Donald Trump has chosen Bill Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence once Tulsi Gabbard leaves office on June 30. Pulte will take on the intelligence job on an interim basis while continuing to run key US housing finance bodies.

The decision follows Gabbard’s announcement that the role will be vacant at the end of June. Trump’s move places the 38-year-old financial regulator at the centre of America’s security structure, even as Pulte keeps control of oversight for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac alongside the broader FHFA mandate.

Bill Pulte, Trump and the acting DNI role

Pulte will remain responsible for supervising the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, in addition to directing the FHFA. The intelligence appointment adds another temporary job to that list, meaning Pulte will balance market oversight with coordination across the US intelligence community until a permanent DNI is named.

Trump announced the selection on Truth Social and highlighted Pulte’s record with major financial institutions and risk management. Trump wrote, "William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago…Congratulation to Director Pulte!"

Bill Pulte, Trump and the FHFA chief’s background

Pulte became the fifth FHFA director in March 2025, taking charge of the agency at age 38. Pulte studied at Northwestern University and earlier worked across housing, homebuilding and community development. In 2011, Pulte created investment firm Pulte Capital Partners LLC and later sat on the board of Pulte Homes, a major United States homebuilder.

The transition at the top of US intelligence began on May 23, when Gabbard revealed plans to step down. Gabbard said the decision was linked to the health of spouse Abraham Williams, who has been diagnosed with an "extremely rare form of bone cancer." Gabbard indicated the priority now is to support Williams through treatment.

Gabbard has served as DNI since February 2025 and is also a US military officer. Gabbard will be the eighth person to leave the post, a pattern that has drawn attention in Washington.