Hakeem Jeffries Criticizes Trump's Appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting DNI
Jeffries warns that Pulte leading DNI threatens FISA reauthorization: ‘Deeply dangerous’

Image: The Hill
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, arguing that Pulte's lack of security experience poses risks to national security and jeopardizes bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) by the June 12 deadline.
- 01Hakeem Jeffries described Pulte's appointment as 'deeply unserious, deeply dangerous, and deeply unqualified.'
- 02Pulte's background includes being a director at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, with no known experience in national security.
- 03Jeffries warned that Pulte's role could hinder bipartisan negotiations on FISA, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreigners.
- 04Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed concern over the need for professionalism in the DNI role.
- 05Pulte's appointment does not require Senate confirmation, and Trump has not indicated plans to formally nominate him.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) sharply criticized President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence (DNI), emphasizing that Pulte’s lack of security experience could jeopardize national security and complicate bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) by the June 12 deadline. Jeffries labeled Pulte as 'deeply unserious, deeply dangerous, and deeply unqualified,' questioning his qualifications for such a critical position. Pulte, currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a loyal supporter of Trump, has previously accused political adversaries of mortgage fraud. His appointment has raised concerns even among Republicans, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune stressing the need for professionalism in the DNI role. Despite the backlash, Pulte’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation, and Trump has not indicated any plans to formally nominate him for the position. Jeffries argued that Pulte's elevation could undermine the already fragile negotiations surrounding FISA, which has faced bipartisan criticism for privacy concerns regarding U.S. citizens.
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The appointment of Bill Pulte as acting DNI could affect national security protocols and the privacy of American citizens.
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