Trump's Choice for Intelligence Post Draws Criticism

US President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as acting director of national intelligence following the departure of Tulsi Gabbard.

Pulte, 38, has no professional background in intelligence or national security. Trump defended the appointment by citing his management experience and said Pulte would continue to lead the FHFA, the agency that oversees the US mortgage market.

As acting director of national intelligence, Pulte will coordinate the work of the US intelligence community, which comprises 18 agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA).

The appointment has drawn criticism from Democrats and some members of Trump's Republican Party. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described Pulte as a "partisan bully" and questioned his suitability to oversee national security matters.

Republican Senator John Cornyn also expressed reservations, saying any effort to secure Senate confirmation for the position on a permanent basis could face significant opposition.

The director of national intelligence serves as the principal adviser to the president on intelligence matters and is responsible for coordinating activities across the US intelligence agencies

(reuters, bak)