Disclaimer: I wrote this before I read Krugman’s column: Trump Has Given Up - Paul Krugman. He also goes into depth about Pulte and it’s a very good column beyond Pulte as well. So go over to his place and read it as well or just read his if you like him better 😬😇
Here’s my take:
The corruption continues. Trump is flaunting it openly, and Republicans in Congress are keeping cowardly quiet.
But we can’t and shouldn’t.
The latest? Free link to the New York Times:
New Intelligence Chief’s Expertise: Pursuing Trump’s Enemies
Tulsi Gabbard’s replacement as the director of national intelligence has no known national security experience.
Republicans on Capitol Hill have raised doubts about the appointment and Bill Pulte’s qualifications. Credit...Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press
Per 50 USC 3023, the Director of National Intelligence needs to be confirmed by the United States Senate. The first sentence of 50 USC 3023 states (bolding emphasis mine),
(a) Director of National Intelligence
(1) There is a Director of National Intelligence who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Any individual nominated for appointment as Director of National Intelligence shall have extensive national security expertise.
“Any individual nominated for appointment as Director of National Intelligence shall have extensive national security expertise.”
Seems pretty straightforward, right?
Well, let’s take a look at our nominee, shall we? As they say on The Price is Right, “Bill Pulte, c’mon down!”
Bill Pulte is 38 years old.
Bill Pulte is the grandson of William J. Pulte, founder of the Pulte Group, one of the biggest home builders in the United States.
Bill Pulte graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s degree in
National Security. Or was itPoli-Sci? Oops, must have beenInternational Economics. Sorry - my bad. He actually majored in Broadcast Journalism.After college, Bill Pulte worked for Penske Capital Partners (PCP). PCP grew of out The Penske Corporation was founded by, you know, that car racing guy - Roger Penske. The Penske Corp. operates in multiple industries, including
National Security, retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics, manufacturing, and professional motorsports. PCP, on the other hand, invests in well, basically every industry EXCEPT any industry related to National Security.In 2011, Bill Pulte founded Pulte Capital, which focuses primarily on investing in
National Securityhousing and construction-related businesses.In March of 2026, Bill Pulte was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and became
Assistant Director of National SecurityDirector of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and Chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
What has Pulte done while a FHFA? let’s check back up to that New York Times headline: “New Intelligence Chief’s Expertise: Pursuing Trump’s Enemies”. Basically, Pulte has used his position and access to make allegations of mortgage fraud (mostly from statements on mortgage applications) against Democrats, including Letitia James (NYS Atty General), Adam Schiff (CA US Senator), Lisa Cook (Federal Reserve board member) and Eric Swallwell (former CA US congressperson). These allegations mostly stem from these people potentially claiming mortgages for residences that were NOT their primary residences. Interestingly, Pulte has not investigated one Donald J. Trump for the same potential infraction.
So. Let’s recap. Pulte is a nepo baby who majored in Journalism, worked in construction during his school years, worked in finance for most of his professional career and is currently serving as head of a housing agency where he has - allegedly illegally - accessed information against Trump’s enemies.
Anyone see any evidence of “… extensive national security expertise”?
Do you think Bill Pulte even knows where Iran is? Are we looking to Bill Pulte for his expert and experienced opinion on Taiwan? Does he know where Moldova is? Can he name more than 5 countries that are in NATO?
This is cronyism, pure and simple.
Cronyism is corruption.
This type of corruption makes the United States less safe in a dangerous world. Even some Republican Senators are making noises about how bad this pick is. Soft noises. We’ll see if they make the same noises when it’s time to vote on Bill Pulte’s confirmation. It would be a pleasant surprise, but don’t bet on it.
It’s the Corruption Stupid!
PS - for a good overview of the role of the DNI and where Pulte likely fits in, read this analysis from Just Security. brief quote from the article: “That is the trajectory Pulte inherits: an ODNI still responsible for managing the Intelligence Community, but less clearly positioned as the president’s authoritative intelligence voice and increasingly available for political use.”
