Trump Appoints Ally Bill Polti as Acting Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump appointed Bill Polti, a supporter lacking national security experience, as acting director of the US intelligence agency on Tuesday. Trump indicated that Polti would also maintain his current responsibilities overseeing federal housing and mortgage policies.

Polti, who serves as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and is known for publicly attacking Trump’s political opponents, replaces Tulsi Gabbard as acting director of national intelligence.

Gabbard resigned at the end of May after a controversial tenure marked by disagreements with Trump over his stance on the war with Iran.

By law, the director of national intelligence, who acts as the president’s chief intelligence advisor, is required to have extensive experience in national security—a qualification Polti does not meet.

Trump praised Polti in a social media post announcing the appointment, stating that he "has extensive experience managing some of America’s most sensitive affairs, including market stability."

Trump added that Polti, who also leads the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), would continue his duties at both agencies.

At 38 years old, Polti has accused Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James of falsifying documents related to mortgage applications.

The Wall Street Journal reported that according to an internal complaint at Fannie Mae, Polti improperly accessed mortgage records connected to James and other Democratic officials.

In October last year, a grand jury indicted James, but a federal judge dismissed the case a month later. However, there remains a possibility that charges could be refiled against her.

Polti also supported a mortgage fraud case against Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Trump referenced this case in his attempt to remove Cook. The case is still pending before the Supreme Court.

Polti, heir to a family homebuilding empire, is a divisive figure even within Trump’s circles due to his outspoken political positions and aggressive tactics.

Democratic lawmakers criticized Polti’s lack of experience and his history of targeting Trump’s opponents.

Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner stated that Polti was apparently chosen because "the White House believes he will deliver the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need."

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that someone who levels "baseless, political, and ridiculous accusations against people in their official roles whom he dislikes cannot be trusted to protect our national security."

Conversely, Vice President JD Vance defended Polti, calling him "a great person who understands that the intelligence community bureaucracy must answer to elected leadership, not the other way around."