Trump taps Bill Pulte as acting DNI, risking showdown over spy powers

President Trump announced Bill Pulte will take over as acting Director of National Intelligence on June 19, keeping a housing regulator tied to the job and complicating bipartisan talks to renew the Section 702 spy authorities. Pulte’s lack of a national security background and past clashes with Trump’s foes drew sharp backlash from Democrats and some Republicans, threatening to derail a key intelligence authority renewal as lawmakers debate civil-liberties safeguards. Republicans urge a permanent DNI, while Democrats condition support on a broader reform package, leaving the future of 702 in flux.