Trump Appoints Bill Pulte as Acting DNI, Initiates Process for Intelligence Community Changes

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as the incoming Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), as reported in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Trump stated he wants Pulte to 'start the process' of reducing the workforce within the intelligence community, which includes 18 agencies. Pulte is set to take over after the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard, who is stepping down due to her husband's health issues. Trump expressed a desire for a smaller intelligence community, stating, 'I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there.' The appointment has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, including former Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who emphasized the need for professionalism in the DNI role. Trump noted that Pulte's outsider status influenced his decision to appoint him, suggesting it could allow for more decisive actions during his interim tenure. Trump also reassured that a search for a permanent DNI is ongoing and that Pulte's interim role could facilitate necessary changes before a permanent appointment is made. Pulte, who also chairs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has already influenced legislative discussions, particularly regarding the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner indicated that Pulte's leadership could hinder bipartisan support for FISA reauthorization.