President Donald Trump announced on June 2, 2026, that William J. “Bill” Pulte, the current Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence following Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation.
Gabbard, who had served as DNI since early 2025, submitted her resignation in May, effective June 30, 2026.
She cited her husband Abraham Williams’ recent diagnosis with an extremely rare form of bone cancer as the reason for stepping down from public service.
At 38 years old, Bill Pulte now assumes the acting role overseeing the U.S. intelligence community while retaining his position at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The appointment does not require Senate confirmation.
Early Life and Business Background
William John Pulte was born on May 28, 1988, in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is the grandson of William J. Pulte, the founder of PulteGroup, one of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States.
Pulte graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, where he studied broadcast journalism. In 2011, he founded Pulte Capital Partners LLC, a private equity firm focused on investments in housing and building-related products.
He later established The Blight Authority in 2015, a nonprofit organization dedicated to clearing abandoned and blighted properties in cities such as Detroit. The initiative aimed to revitalize neighborhoods and improve local communities.
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In 2016, Pulte joined PulteGroup’s board of directors, serving a four-year term amid a family leadership dispute. Over the years, he built a public profile through social media philanthropy and direct-giving campaigns.
Rise in the Trump Administration
President Donald Trump nominated Pulte to lead the FHFA in January 2025. The Senate confirmed him in March 2025, and he was sworn into office on March 14 of that year.
As FHFA director, Pulte oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, institutions that support trillions of dollars in U.S. mortgages. He also appointed himself chairman of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
During his tenure, Pulte attracted national attention after issuing criminal referrals to the Department of Justice involving several prominent Democrats, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, California Senator Adam Schiff, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The referrals alleged mortgage-related improprieties.
Supporters viewed the actions as aggressive efforts to combat fraud and hold influential figures accountable. Most democrats, however, accused him of politicizing regulatory authority and using his office to target political opponents.
Pulte has defended his actions by stating that his focus is on protecting taxpayers and maintaining integrity within the housing finance system.
The Move to Intelligence Leadership
Trump’s decision to appoint Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence marks a significant departure from tradition. The position is typically filled by individuals with extensive experience in intelligence, national security, or foreign policy.
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Pulte has no publicly documented background in those fields, a fact that is expected to draw scrutiny from lawmakers and members of the intelligence community.
The administration has cited his experience managing large-scale financial operations and his alignment with Trump’s policy agenda as key reasons for the appointment. He is expected to continue leading the FHFA while serving as acting DNI.
A permanent nominee for the intelligence post is expected to be announced later and would require Senate confirmation.
Reactions and Outlook
Reaction to the appointment has largely split along partisan lines. Trump allies have praised the selection, arguing that Pulte brings fresh leadership and an outsider perspective to the intelligence community.
Critics have questioned whether his background adequately prepares him to oversee 18 intelligence agencies responsible for handling some of the nation’s most sensitive national security matters.
