President Trump responded to criticism of his appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence by stating the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director would only hold the job on a temporary basis.
Pulte’s appointment drew sharply divided responses from Republican lawmakers and conservative influencers. The Hill reports Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Pulte was “very smart” and has “high integrity,” but stressed he will not be a full-time replacement for Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned from the position.
“It’s an acting position, it’s not a permanent — he’s not going to be permanent because, you know, I don’t think he’d want to be permanent,” Trump said.
Pulte will continue to direct the FHFA and serve as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while conducting his new duties. The president added the White House was “interviewing” other people for the role while Pulte should only be seen as “somebody just to take it over for a little while.”
When asked if felt Pulte had experience for the position, even though he never worked in the intelligence sector, Trump replied, “I think he does, actually, because he’s smart. I wasn’t greatly experienced in national security, and I think I’ve done a really great job with it. Again, it’s short-term, but he may be very effective for a short period of time.”
0 Comments