Trump names William Pulte acting DNI on June 19, keeping FHFA role
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 9 June 2026 at 23:10 BST: "William Pulte, who is working closely with Tulsi Gabbard, will be taking over as Acting Director of National Intelligence on Friday, June 19th. He will remain as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac." "Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Sponsored
Explanation:
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 9 June 2026 at 23:10 BST: William Pulte, who is working closely with Tulsi Gabbard, will be taking over as Acting Director of National Intelligence on Friday, June 19th.
He will remain as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
The post signals an immediate leadership change at the top of the U.S. intelligence community, with Pulte set to hold the acting DNI role while also retaining two major housing finance posts. The DNI oversees coordination across the intelligence agencies, so any leadership shift can affect foreign intelligence priorities, covert action oversight, and how quickly the administration can align intelligence with policy decisions.
Sponsored
Historically, the DNI position has been politically important since it was created after the 9/11 intelligence failures to improve coordination across the CIA, NSA, FBI, and military intelligence. Trump has often emphasized loyalty and direct control over national security appointments, and this move fits that pattern.
The market and diplomatic impact is indirect but real, because intelligence leadership can shape sanctions enforcement, adversary assessments, and crisis response, especially if the administration is moving on Russia, China, Iran, or other security files.


