US President Donald Trump on June 2 appointed a new acting director of US National Intelligence. He announced this on the social network Truth Social.
“I am nominating the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the head of [двух крупных американских финансовых компаний, созданных Конгрессом США] Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, William J. Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence. “William has extensive experience managing America's most sensitive issues, the safety and stability of markets, and over $10 trillion in Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a significant increase from just 12 months ago,” he wrote.
The head of the White House noted that Pulte will for now combine two positions.
Bloomberg called Trump's choice of Pulte, 38, “unconventional” due to his lack of experience in intelligence and military matters. The decision was criticized not only by Democrats, but also by Republicans, in particular White House officials, who did not like the fact that Pulte often conveys his ideas directly to the president and “attempts to work beyond his authority.”
Republican Majority Leader John Thune expressed skepticism about the newly appointed director of national intelligence to oversee the country's 18 intelligence agencies. He stressed that such a position in the United States must be filled by a professional, and if the White House decides to appoint Pulte on a permanent basis, he “will have to go a long way” to get confirmation. That said, not all Republicans are critical of Pulte. Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee called him an “energetic” official who has the president's confidence, which he considers a critical factor.
The agency noted that Pulte is a close ally of Trump, he often accompanies him on trips, and also drew attention to the fact that the head of the White House traditionally appoints his loyal supporters to key posts. According to the source, Pulte was with the president over the weekend, and his candidacy was actively supported by Trump's political agent Roger Stone. As acting director of national intelligence, Pulte could remain in the post for several months without Senate confirmation, although he is viewed only as an interim intelligence chief, according to people familiar with the matter.
