Trump pick for top intelligence post faces Capitol Hill skepticism

Bill Pulte’s sudden elevation to acting director of national intelligence has set off a fresh round of scrutiny on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are already questioning whether a political ally with no known intelligence background belongs at the helm of the nation’s spy services.

Donald Trump named Pulte on June 2, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who planned to leave the post at the end of June. Trump argued that Pulte had “deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America,” citing his leadership of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversight of more than $10 trillion at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But the move immediately drew skepticism from Democrats and at least one Republican, who said Pulte had not shown the kind of national security credentials typically expected for the job.

The doubts hardened as Senate Republicans signaled they were not eager to rush him through if Trump turns the acting assignment into a formal nomination. Marco Rubio said he had never heard Pulte’s name “in the context of intelligence,” a striking remark from a lawmaker who served for years on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Mitch McConnell went further, warning that the law governing the job requires “extensive national security experience.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Pulte would face a “lengthy road ahead” in any confirmation fight, one that would have to clear the closely divided Senate Intelligence Committee.

The pressure did not stop at qualifications. Scott Bessent testified June 3 before the Senate Finance Committee that a reported confrontation with Pulte did happen, but he said he told Pulte he was “going to kick his a**,” not punch him in the face. Bessent said the clash happened in the summer of 2025 and described it later as a “locker room” type dispute that was now in the past. Another account placed the episode at a private September 2025 dinner at the Executive Branch club in Georgetown, where dozens of administration officials and advisers had gathered for Chamath Palihapitiya’s birthday and where Omeed Malik reportedly stepped in.

For Pulte, the intelligence fight comes after a turbulent tenure at FHFA, where he has pushed investigations into Letitia James, Eric Swalwell, Adam Schiff, Lisa Cook and Jerome Powell. Trump publicly praised those efforts in July 2025, telling Pulte, “KEEP MOVING FORWARD, WILLIAM, DON’T LET THE RADICAL LEFT WEAKLINGS STOP YOU!” That history now hangs over a security post that demands judgment, discretion and Senate confidence, none of which appear settled yet.