Trump DNI pick Pulte poised to get access to U.S. intelligence despite congressional bid to thwart
With President Donald Trump halting his nomination of U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte is set to take on the role.
TL;DR
- Bill Pulte is set to become the acting director of national intelligence.
- President Donald Trump appointed Pulte to the temporary DNI slot.
- Trump nominated Jay Clayton for the official DNI position but has halted his Senate consideration.
- Concerns have been raised by Democrats and Republicans regarding Pulte's qualifications.
- Trump is linking Clayton's nomination and the extension of Section 702 of FISA to the passage of a Voter ID and proof of citizenship election bill.
- Some lawmakers, including Sen. Mark Warner, have called Pulte a "national security threat."
- Republicans, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, acknowledge Trump's commitment to Pulte.
- Pulte has previously instigated probes into Trump opponents in his role at the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
- Critics argue Trump is endangering national security by elevating Pulte and hindering the FISA reauthorization.