National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard is stepping down on June 30.
Fannie Mae Chairman William Pulte is going to be acting director of national intelligence, President Donald Trump said on June 2.
Pulte “has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Pulte, 38, directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairs Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac.
He will remain in those positions while acting as the national intelligence director, according to Trump.
Tulsi Gabbard, 45, the director of national intelligence since early 2025, said in May that she is resigning effective June 30. Gabbard said her husband was diagnosed with bone cancer and she was stepping away from public service to support him.
The director of national intelligence is the head of the American intelligence community, overseeing various agencies such as the CIA and being the top intelligence adviser to the president.
The director “works closely with a President-appointed, Senate-confirmed Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence to effectively integrate all national and homeland security intelligence in defense of the homeland and in support of U.S. national security interests,” according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Pulte shared an image of Trump’s post on social media. He has not commented on the development.
Pulte was sworn in as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency on March 14, 2025. All Republican senators and three Democratic senators voted to confirm him.
Pulte previously founded an investment firm, was a member of the board of a major homebuilding company, and started a nonprofit that works to beautify cities.
Gabbard has been the only Senate-confirmed director of national intelligence in Trump’s second term.
Her permanent replacement will require Senate confirmation.
This is a developing story that will be updated.
