Trump presses on with plan to install Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief
Summary
President Donald Trump announced plans to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence before the current director, Tulsi Gabbard, officially leaves. Pulte has no national security experience, which has raised bipartisan concerns and threatens the renewal of an important surveillance law set to expire soon.Key Facts
- President Trump wants Bill Pulte, a political ally without intelligence experience, to become acting director of national intelligence on June 19.
- The current director, Tulsi Gabbard, plans to step down on June 30.
- Pulte currently leads a federal mortgage agency and has no military, law enforcement, or national security background.
- Congress, including Republicans and Democrats, is worried about Pulte’s appointment and its impact on national security.
- Democrats say Pulte’s appointment could stop the renewal of section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, an important surveillance tool.
- Section 702 allows surveillance of foreign targets, but some domestic communications can be collected without a warrant, a practice that has been controversial.
- Pulte has used his current position to accuse political opponents of mortgage fraud, but investigations have not led to charges.
- Senate Republicans want a confirmed nominee instead of an acting director to avoid political conflicts.
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