Key congressional intelligence leaders have not yet spoken with Bill Pulte, the new acting director of national intelligence appointed by President Donald Trump. This situation arises as Congress works to reauthorize a key surveillance authority before a June 12 deadline. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) stated that he has not met with Pulte and has no immediate plans to do so. He mentioned, "I imagine at some point in time" he would meet Pulte, but he is unsure when that might happen.
Crawford refrained from commenting on Pulte's qualifications, as the real estate mogul faces scrutiny over his lack of national security experience. Pulte currently serves as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Other members of the House and Senate intelligence committees also reported that they had not spoken with Pulte since his appointment was announced.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, noted, "Never met him in my life," expressing concern about Pulte's qualifications. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) also stated that Pulte “doesn’t seem qualified” and that he has “never met him.”
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) encouraged the White House to become more involved as the FISA deadline approaches, stating, "The executive branch needs to assist us because we need to get 702 through and complete it." He expressed concerns that Pulte's appointment could hinder the reauthorization process due to potential opposition from Democrats.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) criticized Pulte's appointment, suggesting it could jeopardize the effort to pass surveillance legislation. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) defended Trump's appointment decision, asserting that Democrats were being unreasonable in linking FISA reauthorization to Pulte's role. The White House supported Pulte, with spokesman Davis Ingle stating, "Bill Pulte is a great selection and he will do a great job on behalf of the American people."
