But unlike most recent intelligence chiefs, Pulte brings virtually no national security or intelligence background to the role. Instead, he has become one of Trump’s most aggressive political allies, drawing attention for pursuing mortgage fraud allegations against several prominent Trump adversaries, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. Critics have accused him of weaponizing his position to target the president’s political opponents, while supporters have said he is holding high-profile elites and politicians accountable, including James, who campaigned on targeting the president’s business empire in a nearly half-billion dollar civil fraud case.

Intelligence community feud looms over appointment

The timing of Pulte’s appointment is particularly notable because it follows more than a year of friction between Gabbard’s office and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Reuters reported Tuesday that the CIA has reduced participation in some intelligence assessments produced by ODNI after disputes over intelligence sharing, declassification efforts, and the authority of a Gabbard-created task force intended to investigate alleged politicization within the intelligence community.

One first-term Trump ODNI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Washington Examiner the central question is whether the administration is placing qualified professionals in positions responsible for coordinating the nation’s intelligence apparatus.

“Think about what’s at stake. We don’t even know whether he’s going to show up or not,” the former official said.

“We need to be thinking about why it is important to have someone who knows what they’re doing at DNI,” the person said. “Is the president picking professionals who actually know how to do the job right?”

The former official added that loyalty alone is not always enough for senior administration appointments, noting that some officials selected during the Biden administration for their political alignment ultimately struggled in their roles.

A source close to the White House, meanwhile, told the Washington Examiner that Trump’s decision cannot be separated from the current tensions between ODNI and the CIA.

“DNI and CIA have been having beef. That has spilled out in the open,” the source said. “DNI is technically in charge of the CIA, but CIA doesn’t go along with that.”

The source suggested Trump’s personal affinity for Pulte may have been as important as any strategic calculation.

“He likes Pulte. He has a soft spot for Pulte,” the source said. “Clearly Pulte obviously wanted it, and Trump was like, ‘Sure, why not.’”

Trump allies see declassification opportunity

The appointment is also drawing attention because of the role Pulte could play in intra-agency disputes battles over declassification and transparency efforts that fueled many of the disputes between ODNI and the CIA under Gabbard.

According to a Semafor report published Tuesday, longtime Trump ally Roger Stone and other figures within the president’s orbit supported Pulte’s selection because they viewed him as a disruptive force capable of accelerating declassification efforts and bulldozing bureaucratic resistance.

The appointment was celebrated by some prominent MAGA figures and allies of Stone. One-time White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on his War Room podcast described the move as a signal of “Action. Action. Action” and “An ‘F U’ to the deep state.”

Other Trump supporters see Pulte’s outsider status as an advantage.

Hans Mahncke, a lawyer and prominent Russiagate critic, argued on X that Pulte’s lack of ties to the intelligence establishment may be precisely what makes him appealing for the role.

“This guy isn’t a CIA stooge,” Mahncke posted. “Authenticity is probably the most important trait for the job.”

Democrats warn of loyalty over expertise

Democrats, meanwhile, are warning that Pulte’s appointment could politicize intelligence operations.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said, “It feels like his only qualification is he’s willing to do whatever Donald Trump wants.”

“It appears to me that’s why he was picked, and the idea we’re going to give him the keys to the intelligence community, it’s insane,” Warner said.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) argued Pulte’s history at FHFA raises concerns about how he could wield the expanded authorities of the DNI position.

“It appears that he has used his government position in the past in order to weaponize government against Trump’s perceived enemies — that’s not the role of the director,” Warren said.

Republicans voice caution on qualifications

Republicans were more restrained, although some raised questions about Pulte’s qualifications and the prospect of a permanent appointment.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stressed that any effort to make Pulte the permanent director of national intelligence would require Senate confirmation.

“We don’t need a weaponized DNI. We need professionals there,” Thune told reporters when asked about the appointment and concerns that Pulte could use the position to pursue political objectives.

Thune said he had only recently learned of the decision and suggested Pulte would face significant scrutiny if formally nominated.

“If he’s somebody they want in that position permanently, he’s got a — as you all know — a lengthy road ahead of him,” Thune said.

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), another Intelligence Committee member, said he was still learning about the appointment but emphasized that ODNI should remain nonpartisan.

“Intel and the ODNI specifically has been a nonpartisan role, and it’s got to stay that way,” Lankford told the Washington Examiner.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, appeared unfamiliar with Pulte’s background when asked about the appointment.

“I have no knowledge of this individual at all,” Collins said after asking whether he had any experience in the intelligence community.

CONGRESS BLINDSIDED BY TRUMP’S PULTE PICK AND QUESTIONS QUALIFICATIONS FOR INTELLIGENCE CHIEF

Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) described Pulte as an “interesting choice” but declined to elaborate further.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-AR) declined to comment.