Congressional Democrats Warn Pulte Against Mass Firings
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-22 10:35:00 — www.nytimes.com
President Trump’s Appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Intelligence Chief Sparks Bipartisan Alarm
President Trump has installed Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Trump has stated that Pulte is expected to work on election security matters, a declaration that has prompted concerns among officials that he could attempt to influence the upcoming midterm elections.
Concerns Over Political Loyalty and Lack of Experience
Pulte’s appointment has been controversial, with many in Congress—across party lines—arguing that Trump has elevated a political loyalist who lacks relevant intelligence experience. During his previous role as director of federal housing programs, Pulte reportedly used his position to collect information about Trump’s political adversaries, further fueling worries about the politicization of the intelligence community.
Potential for Retaliatory Actions and Declassification Risks
Democratic lawmakers have warned that Pulte’s record demonstrates a willingness to misuse his authority to pursue Trump’s perceived political enemies and advance a retributive political agenda. Lawmakers have urged Pulte to preserve all federal records and refrain from making significant decisions that should be left to a permanent, Senate-confirmed director—a request they believe he is unlikely to honor.
Trump’s expectation that Pulte will oversee election security and potentially declassify documents related to issues that have preoccupied the president, such as the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, has heightened fears. Officials worry that declassification could be weaponized for partisan purposes or compromise sensitive intelligence sources and methods.
Congressional Oversight and Uncertainty Ahead
The Senate had planned to fast-track the confirmation of Jay Clayton as permanent director, but Trump’s decision to delay the nomination allowed Pulte to assume the acting role. Pulte is expected to serve at least until Congress’s August recess, though this timeline remains uncertain.
Conclusion
President Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, along with his stated intentions for Pulte’s role, has raised significant bipartisan concerns about the integrity and independence of the intelligence community. Lawmakers continue to urge caution, emphasizing the need for established procedures and nonpartisan stewardship in matters of national security and intelligence.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/us/politics/bill-pulte-firings-national-intelligence.html