Gabbard Steps Down as Intelligence Director Following Nomination
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as intelligence director after months of leadership turbulence.
Event / Politics
Trump Intelligence Director Nomination
President Trump announced that Bill Pulte, appointed as acting director of national intelligence, will not be the permanent nominee due to bipartisan congressional opposition regarding his lack of national security experience. The administration is interviewing other candidates for the position.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jun, 00:31 UTC
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What happened
Bipartisan Senate opposition to Pulte's lack of national security experience
Both Republican and Democratic senators expressed concerns about Bill Pulte's appointment as acting director of national intelligence, citing his lack of national security credentials. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated the position should not be "weaponized" and should be led by "professionals." Republican senators Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and John Cornyn also expressed concerns about Pulte. Lawmakers indicated that Senate confirmation for a permanent position would be unlikely.
Tulsi Gabbard attended FBI search of election center in Fulton County, Georgia
Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard attended an FBI search of an election center in Fulton County, Georgia. A spokesperson stated that both President Trump and then-Attorney General Pam Bondi requested her presence at the FBI search. The search took place in a key county that Trump lost to Joe Biden in 2020, raising concerns about the politicization of the intelligence community.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to fight Pulte in September 2025
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed reports that he had threatened to fight Bill Pulte in September 2025, indicating friction between the two officials within the administration over Pulte's role and decisions as federal housing finance director.
Bill Pulte appointed as acting director of national intelligence
Bill Pulte, a federal housing finance regulator and grandson of the founder of PulteGroup, was appointed as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte previously served as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency with oversight of mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He has no known national security experience.
Trump announces Bill Pulte will not be permanently nominated as director of national intelligence
President Trump stated that Bill Pulte, his pick for acting director of national intelligence, will not be nominated for the position permanently. Trump said Pulte is serving in an acting capacity temporarily while the administration interviews other candidates for the permanent role. Trump described Pulte as "very smart" and noted that while Pulte would not be permanent, he may "find out some things about the rigged elections."
Tulsi Gabbard resigned as director of national intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her position as director of national intelligence last month, citing her husband's recent cancer diagnosis as the reason for her departure.
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Trump Withdraws Permanent Pulte Nomination for Intelligence Director
Trump withdrew Pulte's permanent nomination for intelligence director due to bipartisan Senate opposition and internal cabinet disagreement.