Trump Taps William Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence After Tulsi Gabbard Steps Down
President Donald Trump moved quickly Tuesday morning to fill a critical national security role, announcing that William J. Pulte will serve as acting director of national intelligence following Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation.
Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was appointed to that post by President Trump last March. He also serves as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, placing him at the center of some of the nation’s most consequential financial and housing institutions.
Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social, pointing to Pulte’s experience overseeing sensitive, high-stakes matters tied to America’s markets and financial stability.
“I am appointing the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, William J. Pulte, to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago,” Trump said.
“During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac,” he continued.
“Congratulations to Director Pulte! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 2, 2026
The appointment comes about two weeks after Gabbard announced that she would resign from her position as director of national intelligence, citing deeply personal family circumstances.
Gabbard said the decision was not made lightly, explaining that her husband is currently battling a rare form of bone cancer.
“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” Gabbard wrote.
I am deeply grateful for the trust President Trump placed in me and for the opportunity to lead @ODNIgov for the last year and a half.
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) May 22, 2026
Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare… pic.twitter.com/PS0Dxp5zpd
“I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position,” she added.
Gabbard’s departure marks a significant change inside the intelligence community, while Trump’s decision to elevate Pulte signals the administration’s continued focus on placing trusted, results-driven leaders in positions of national responsibility.
For conservatives, the move is another example of Trump relying on loyal and proven officials as his administration works to restore discipline, accountability, and America First leadership across Washington’s most powerful institutions.