Trump DNI pick Pulte poised to get access to U.S. intelligence despite congressional bid to thwart

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Elizabeth Frantz | Bloomberg | Getty Images Bill Pulte , President Donald Trump 's controversial pick serve as acting director of National Intelligence, is poised to assume that role on Friday after Trump thwarted Senate Republicans' efforts to fast-track confirming his nomination of Jay Clayton for that spot. Trump's surprising move will give Pulte access to the most secret of U.S. intelligence data despite concerns he could use such information to target foes of the president. Trump on Wednesday effectively said he would keep Pulte serving as acting DNI, and prevented the Senate from hearing from Clayton that same day in his confirmation hearing until Congress jumped through several legislative hoops. Trump said he would not sign an extension of a crucial national security program, even if it is passed by Congress, unless it includes the passage of a controversial Voter ID and proof of citizenship election bill. Trump also said that the Senate must confirm James McDonald, Clayton's would-be replacement as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, before Clayton can be confirmed by the Senate as national intelligence director. …