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House Intelligence Committee Democrats Call on Trump to Rescind Pulte Appointment

Washington, June 10, 2026

Washington, DC— Ranking Member Jim Himes (CT-04) today led Democratic Members of the House Intelligence Committee in a letter to President Donald Trump calling for him to rescind the appointment of Bill Pulte to the position of Acting Director of National Intelligence due to his complete lack of national security, foreign policy or intelligence experience and track record of government abuse.

“Mr. Pulte’s work in your administration demonstrates why he is a uniquely poor choice to serve as acting DNI,” the lawmakers wrote. “As Director of FHFA, he mined confidential databases to generate frivolous criminal referrals against a Senator, a Federal Reserve Board Member, and a State Attorney General. He has distinguished himself only as someone who will do or say anything to stay in your good graces, qualities that are precisely the opposite of what our nation needs in a DNI.”

They continued: “It is likely that Mr. Pulte has never received a classified briefing or reviewed a classified document. There is no reason to believe that he has any concept of the DNI’s responsibilities or those of the broader intelligence community he would lead. As you know, the DNI is briefed on the most sensitive information held by our government—information that can lead to exceptionally grave national security consequences and even the loss of life if disclosed. That this appointment comes amid a war with Iran that has claimed the lives of 13 American service members and caused massive economic consequences for the American people only compounds our concern that you would fill this post with someone with no relevant experience.”

“Because Mr. Pulte is manifestly unqualified and unfit for the DNI role, we urge you to rescind his appointment immediately. The United States needs a professional leading the intelligence community and providing the best intelligence possible to policymakers as our nation navigates multiple conflicts and crises,” concluded the lawmakers.

In addition to Ranking Member Himes, the letter was signed by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jason Crow (CO-06), Ami Bera (CA-06), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Steve Cohen (TN-09).

Read the full letter here.