Trump Names Pulte Acting Intel Chief; IRS Audit Shield Preserved
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, current head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard who resigned last month. Separately, acting Attorney General Blanche confirmed the administration will maintain a broad order shielding Trump and his family from IRS audits on already-filed returns, even as a related $1.8 billion payout fund was dropped. Both moves drew criticism from Democrats and, in the case of Pulte's appointment, concern from some Republican senators.
Progressive outlets highlight Pulte's complete lack of intelligence experience and his history of targeting political opponents, framing the appointment as a loyalty-based selection that undermines national security. The IRS audit shield is characterized as an unprecedented use of executive power to protect the president and his family from standard legal oversight.
Pulte has no publicly documented intelligence background, and the IRS audit shield order remains in place according to the acting attorney general, with both decisions drawing bipartisan scrutiny in Congress.
Conservative outlets note that Trump has broad executive authority over intelligence leadership appointments and that Pulte has demonstrated administrative capability at the FHFA. Supporters argue the IRS order addresses concerns about politically motivated audits and protects executive branch integrity.
Pulte has no publicly documented intelligence background, and the IRS audit shield order remains in place according to the acting attorney general, with both decisions drawing bipartisan scrutiny in Congress.
Trump named FHFA head Bill Pulte as acting DNI director while the administration confirmed a standing order protecting the Trump family from IRS audits on filed returns remains in effect.