President Donald Trump named Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency director, as acting Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday, prompting sharp criticism from both House and Senate intelligence committees. lawmakers argue that Pulte’s lack of national‑security experience and his recent involvement in a criminal referral against political opponents raise red flags as Congress debates the foreign‑intelligence surveillance bill.

Bill Pulte’s non‑security background fuels Senate concerns

Senators on the Senate Intelligence Committee noted that Pulte has spent his career in housing finance,not intelligence, and has never served in a role that required handling classified material. As the report notes, he “has not met with any members of the House and Senate intelligence committees ,” a fact that underscores the committee’s frustration with the White House’s outreach.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warns the appointment could derail FISA

Hakeem Jeffries (D‑NY) told reporters that installing Pulte “will jeopardize the effort to pass surveillance legislation,” referring to the looming deadline for reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Democrats are threatening to withhold support for the FISA extension unless the administration provides more transparency on Pulte’s qualifications.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton urges deeper White House involvement

Senator Tom Cotton (R‑AR) responded to the controversy by urging the White House to become “more involved” as the FISA deadline approaches, suggesting that the administration’s backing of Pulte is a strategic move to secure a favorable vote on the surveillance bill.

White House defends Pulte as a “great selection”

The administration countered criticism by describing Pulte as a “great selection” who will “do a great job on behalf of the American people .” According to the source, the White House insists that Pulte’s management experience will translate into effective leadership of the intelligence community.

Unanswered question: Will Pulte’s appointment affect the FISA vote?

Lawmakers remain split on whether Pulte’s presence will tilt the FISA reauthorization.. Democrats fear the appointment could be used to “weaponize intelligence,” while Republicans argue that a swift confirmation will keep the surveillance framework intact. the outcome hinges on negotiations that are still unfolding.