Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, warned that President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has increased the risk of terror attacks on U.S. soil.
Ossoff made the remarks during an appearance on MS NOW with former White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
He criticized Pulte, saying he has no experience in intelligence or national security and describing him as “a thug and a hack” and “a partisan loyalist.”
“His handling of this is putting the United States at risk and making a terrorist attack more likely because he is destabilizing America’s intelligence capabilities,” Ossoff said.
Trump Appoints Pulte as Acting Intelligence Chief
Trump announced Pulte’s appointment on June 2. Pulte, 38, currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
He is set to take over as acting director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard steps down. Gabbard, Trump’s first DNI in his second term, submitted her resignation in May to care for her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer.
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Her departure is expected to take effect around June 19.
Pulte has no previous intelligence background but is known as a Trump ally who pursued mortgage fraud allegations against critics of the administration, including Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Ossoff Links Appointment to Earlier Trump Actions
Ossoff, who serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also criticized earlier actions involving Gabbard.
He pointed to her role in overseeing a federal raid on an election facility in Fulton County, Georgia, in January amid claims of voter fraud linked to the 2020 election that were not substantiated.
The senator accused Trump of placing loyalty above experience in selecting intelligence officials.
“This is maybe the most chilling and the most dangerous nomination or appointment that (Trump) has made,” Ossoff said.
Intelligence Community Leadership
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence coordinates 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and serves as the president’s top intelligence adviser.
Also Read: Trump Moves to Dismantle ODNI, as Former Aide Calls It a ‘Fake Agency’
The position was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks to improve coordination between intelligence agencies.
Democrats and some Republicans have raised concerns about Pulte’s appointment, particularly as it comes during debate over the future of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a program used to collect foreign intelligence on overseas targets.
Some lawmakers have connected delays in renewing the program to concerns surrounding Pulte’s role.
White House Defends Pulte Appointment
The White House and Republican supporters have defended Pulte, arguing he is an effective manager who can reform government institutions and address what they describe as problems within the intelligence community.
They say an outsider can help reduce perceived bias and improve accountability while advancing Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Trump blocked a fast-track confirmation process for another nominee, former U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, allowing Pulte to take the acting position.
