Bill Pulte assumes role of US acting director of national intelligence

Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency director, became the acting director of national intelligence (DNI) on Friday, following a tug-of-war between Donald Trump and Washington lawmakers over the short-term future of the cabinet intelligence post. Tulsi Gabbard, the outgoing DNI, initially planned to leave her post on 30 June, but Trump shortened her tenure to Friday. Senators planned to confirm Jay Clayton, the president’s DNI nominee, by Friday, which would have denied Pulte an opportunity to serve as acting director. But Trump abruptly called off on Wednesday a Senate confirmation hearing for Clayton and directed him not to appear in front of Senate lawmakers. The delay leaves Pulte in an unconventional position to oversee the 18 US spy agencies as well as the country’s federal housing agency. Pulte has no background in intelligence work, but has a demonstrated track record of supporting the president’s agenda. The Wall Street Journal reported last year that among some administration insiders, Pulte has learned the moniker “Little Trump” for his devotion to the president. Senate Democrats have accused Pulte of overseeing politically motivated investigations into the White House’s political adversaries. Last year, Pulte referred several Democrats – all of them prominent Trump antagonists – for prosecution for mortgage fraud. …