Many are perplexed; however, don’t overthink it.
President Trump has announced Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, via a Truth Social post earlier today:
PRESIDENT TRUMP – “I am appointing the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, William J. Pulte, to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago. During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!” ~ President DONALD J. TRUMP
In the context of what has taken place in the past 16 months, from CTH perspective an ‘acting’ position in this specific role is essentially a placeholder position. Pulte placed as acting DNI, perhaps (my guess) in lieu of a permanent appointment that cannot yet be made due to other factors.
Deputy DNI Aaron Lucas remains in place. Within the construct of the DNI office, Lucas remaining as Deputy actually facilitates the installation of a placeholder that would otherwise not be possible because legislative regulations and preferences on the DNI post are specifically designed to favor only nominations with background experience in military intelligence and/or long-term intelligence status. {See 50 U.S. Code § 3026}
When congress created the ODNI they outlined: “under ordinary circumstances, it is desirable” that either the director or the principal deputy director of national intelligence be an active-duty commissioned officer in the armed forces or have training or experience in military intelligence activities and requirements. {Go Deep} Also remember, President Trump (T1) was the first administration to elevate the DNI to a cabinet level position. Biden retained that status.
Bill Pulte is viewed as loyal, trustworthy and a solid team player. As a placeholder Pulte makes sense, and that explains retention of his current job in the Federal Housing Finance Agency while he fills the role of ‘acting DNI’. Given the legislative expectations behind the office, Pulte would seemingly have no path to permanent confirmation by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
Under the scenario (in my head) that seems to make the most sense, the White House would seem to favor current House Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford to fill the DNI spot. However, with only a one seat margin in the House pulling a republican member of the House to the cabinet is not plausible. In this scenario an acting appointment makes sense.
HPSCI Chairman Rick Crawford has worked closely with DNI Gabbard and seems like he: (a) wants the job, (b) would be qualified for the job; and more importantly (c) understands the job as executed by DNI Tulsi Gabbard. The last point is the most important. Crawford also fully appreciates how badly the IC was weaponized by political corruption, and he knows (generally) who the bad administrators were in the weaponization of the IC and what actions they took.
Having a DNI that accepts and admits all previous corruption is really important, and unfortunately there are not many names in/out of Washington DC who have any substantive concept of it. Very few; very, very, few people, can fathom just how badly the Intelligence Community has been compromised. What set Tulsi Gabbard apart from the rest was her keen awareness of reality. Crawford does seem to come closest to that frame of mind.
If Rick Crawford was viewed as the best candidate to replace Tulsi, then putting Pulte into position as a placeholder makes sense.
If Republicans lose the House in the midterms, Crawford moves to DNI (seats numbers become moot). If Republicans can gain seats in the Midterms, Crawford can move to DNI. That type of scenario played out is my best guess for why Bill Pulte was announced.
Suspicious Cat remains, well, increasingly suspicious.
“Very few; very, very, few people, can fathom just how badly the Intelligence Community has been compromised. What set Tulsi Gabbard apart from the rest was her keen awareness of reality. Crawford does seem to come closest to that frame of mind.” – Sundance
We Treepers all understand this! The Conservative Treehouse should be come mandatory reading for all conservatives, Republicans, Faux Republicans, Christians and the brain addled left! More of the sheeple need to understand how bad the IC really is!!! JMO
In lieu of Vance’s statement and Sundance’s analysis on Crawford…
Is it possible Crawford will be stealth in charge of DNI…with Pulte being the face of it and the enabler of Crawford’s advice?
Crawford does the work and Pulte takes the heat?
More likely DDNI Aaron Lucas “does the work” and Pulte assists and authorizes (as “DNI”) whatever is needed. Meanwhile Crawford “takes notes” until the November election outcome determines the most effective role changes, as noted by Sundance.
An outside possibility is that Tulsi Gabbard resumes the office if husband’s situation improves and then having a temp place holder makes perfect sense. Since she was once confirmed by the Senate ……?
Mayhap I’m just wishful thinking but it would be a great thing.
(It is my sincere hope that Tulsi Gabbard unleashes the Kraken before the end of this month.)
Yes, I think everyone would agree with hoping that as a best outcome but IMHO that’s a low probability scenario.
Sadly very low probability. Tulsi for a few reasons is not replaceable, Well she is, everyone is, but who would be better? As a 50_yo man, I remember not that long ago, she was a hero of the left lol Then she joined the “dark side” and became a contributor to the origin of evil in the world, which somehow was moved from Eden to 2015..Tulsi is truly a good woman. She both doesn’t belong and at the same time is needed in this 1980s WWF version of modern politics.
My thoughts exactly
Don’t underestimate the value added of Dep DNI Lucas, who DOES appear to be a patriot during his tenure working with Tulsi.
But the Shadow Government wants 100% power back. 90% doesn’t work for them, as there is a small chance they could get exposed.
100%, 100%, 100%! The IC must respond to the elected leadership, rather than the other way around. All this hemming and hawing and flat out denying Trump his appointments is to keep the status quo, which is exactly what we want to change. They are going to fill the airwaves with, oh no, he is not qualified. But we don’t want their version of qualified. We want an IC accountable to the oversight committees. I suspect that Pulte has proven his strength as a decision maker and administrator by his previous house cleanings, so to speak. That is a good thing. This is life or death for some.
Maybe Trump wants to just wait and see what happens with Tulsi and in the meantime he had to put someone loyal and a fighter in there, Pulte is a tough guy and strong leader who doesn’t take any crap from anyone..
Verrrrry interrrrresting!
You sound exactly like Arte Johnson!
As he rides off on his tricycle . . .
Onward…………..like a freight train rolling.
Thanks for clarifying!
Not going to disagree with Sundance’s evaluation of the situation.
It’s a painful reminder of Tulsi’s value and how we are going to miss her.
I’m trying to understand how the DNI situation works out and if there will be accountability and reconcile that with the insurrection in NJ that is allowed to take place.
I said it in the other thread. Pulte is an action guy and a loyalist to President Trump. He made the referrals to the DOJ to Tish James and the Fed reservist. I am fine with it.
Something that might also happen in the background to the DNI appointment is that Tulsi is still “consultable”. After I retired was still getting work related calls for 18 months
Hopefully, we’re not anticipating losing seats in Congress.
How can we not? Sorry to be a doomer but inflation is killing people. I’m anticipating a shellacking.
Because democrats have proven economic qualifications on inflation? Hardly.
Um, inflation was raging under Biden. People came through it just fine once Pres. Trump was elected. I think you’re wrong.
“inflation is killing people.”
But they’re still paying on their $1,000 iPhones, $200/mo for all the cable channels, satellite radio for their cars?
Americans are whiners (and yes, I was born here)
Besides fuel, most prices have barely gone up. This is not Biden inflation where every time you went to the store prices were up another 10%.
Inflation is just 4% — it’s NOT “killing” anyone.
Ah…but I guess in Philly 9% under Biden were the “salad days” 🙂
I agree…..Add the inflation to a congress that refuses to put the MAGA agenda into law–and I see the GOP losing the midterms due to their inaction. They did this to DJT in his first term and repeating it now. People are furious.
The HoR has done plenty of the work.
The Senate on the other is where the year round insurrection/vacation is taking place.
Bingo. People on here have blinders on if they can’t see how angry regular people are.
And essentially the end of Trump’s presidency.
Ummmm, no, inflation isn’t killing people. The MSM and “conservative” talking heads are framing it as such, but realistically people have only slightly downgraded their lifestyles. I’ll agree that the R’s are angling for a shellacking, but the perception of inflation will be more a factor than an actual cause. Most people are spending a slightly expensive cup of coffee extra on gas each day.
You may consider it slightly downgrading to not take a vacation or go out to dinner but lots of people are angry about it. Personally it’s not even affecting me that much but I would have to be deaf and blind to be able to ignore the rage I’m seeing in other people.
Well, then… those people have never, ever, experienced even slightly hard times. Easy to “rage” when you have had a soft life.
I live in a fairly upscale community in SC and do not see any “rage” nor pulling back of normal activities. People are still planning cruises, still fly across country for grandchildren’s high school graduations, two neighbors just bought new pickup trucks, etc.
And the Dimms are the solution???
Oh, yeah… “inflation is killing people”… not! Notice how many are getting rid of their new cars… or having one car instead of three in their driveway… or shopping more carefully… or cooking their own food in place of eating out…?? Not much indication of that “hardship” in my area..
Well….redistricting should add several seats….but the normal mid-term phenomenon of party in power losing seats still pertains.
The good news is that the redistricting wins have at least made retaining control of the House possible, if not probable.
Redistricting has been done this year for the elimination of the racist districts and to catch up to the dems manipulations. Prognosticators calling for a pic
Sorry –calling for a pick up of 10 seats.
From your keyboard to Gods ears!
Do they not have sick leave as a DNI? Would love to see Tulsi step right back in the roll once her husband is better. Sick leave would hold her position, right? No new senate confirmation?
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment turns your life upside down. Neither Tulsi nor her husband can even begin to know what his journey with this disease will entail. Tulsi seems to understand that and made the difficult, but correct, choice. I understand your sentiment and wish that it could be so easy. In the case of cancer, it is not.
If TG’s husband makes a quick turn into remission she could very well come back. A temporary appointment or even 2 gives room for that to occur.
Resigning was the right choice given the seriousness of the diagnosis. Pray for Tulsi & Abraham.
Sundance authored and posted an outstanding prayer on X for Tulsi’s husband, Abraham Williams. Amen.
Of course crawford wants the ODNI job, if for no other reason then to protect the IC.
I have zero trust for any member, current or past, of either congressional select committees on intelligence. They are, in my opinion, thoroughly compromised in one way or another.
That is why Rubio must never be POTUS, in my opinion.
Can’t say I disagree with your sentiments.
ha ha ha ha ha ha
And you know this how?
Be specific )
It walks, talks, and looks like a duck, my friend. Those two committees were charged with IC oversight since the mid-70’s, and yet the IC is wildly out of control and failing, badly. How? It’s obvious.
I do not share your misguided opinion of Rubio. I like him very much abs is at this point the most effective, loyal, and possibly one of the most intelligent cabinet member Trump has.
“thAn to protect” lol
“………..from CTH perspective an ‘acting’ position in this specific role is essentially a placeholder position.”
Placeholder, or figurehead? DINO? (Director In Name Only) Leaving Deputy DNI Aaron Lucas in place seems like a smart move. He’s already established in that position, and so can easily absorb all those important things that were on Gabbard’s plate. This allows the DNI to remain on course as it dismantles the web of intelligence agencies deceptions placed upon the public. Who knows, maybe Tulsi’s husband will find a fast cure, returning him to such good health that Tulsi might be able to return to her post.
As the grandson of Pulte Homes founder…
President Trump expects him to build upon Tulsi’s legacy 🙂
I was wondering where you’ve been. 🤣
<I was wondering where you’ve been.>
Mrs. Wordman said the same thing last week…
I told her I was playing in a tree house 🙂
Tulsi has certainly built a solid foundation for a better ODNI; let’s hope Pulte, Lucas and maybe Crawford can continue the construction of a more politically resilient structure.
The Senate intelligence Committee is having a Meltdown over this So you know President Trump did the right selection
The Senate Intelligence Committee (SIC) is one SIC oxymoron, containing three octogenarian morons.
and beings he is appointed and not confirmed he can only serve what is it 210 days in that position.so he can be there past the mid terms.this is a brilliant move.
Yes! Absolutely🙌🏻🙏🏻.
You just confirmed it must be a great decision. All the wrong people foaming at the mouth is what got me on the Trump train, give him the ball and let him run.
Tulsi is also only a phone call away. Although caring for her husband may be her top priority she will have significant free time I would think.
Plus personal commitment, a determination to see things through and I suspect with the encouragement of her husband.
During Mr. Pulte’s appointment, I am wondering if the effectiveness of the ODNI will be on hold until (hopefully) Mr. Crawford can be moved over to ODNI? Director Gabbard’s performance is going to be hard to beat and that having her momentum placed on a reduced product output won’t be a harmful thing in the long run.
He’s shown he’s not afraid to make criminal referrals.
I’m praying that Tulsi’s husband quickly recovers and, if so, she will be able to return to the DNI position.
I am wondering if that is what is really going on. Gabbard returns to ODNI after her husband recovers
I’d like to be a fly on the wall in these brainstorming sessions.
D.C. is a wilderness of mirrors, as “sloppy Steve” sometimes reminds us.
Excellent job as usual, Sundance. Thank you.
As Acting AG Blanche has shown, being an acting can free you from caring about the scrutiny. Also, this gives Bill Plute at least through the end of the year and Trump can theoretically appoint someone that he knows the Senate will reject and get another 210 days our of Pulte.
How long can an acting secretary serve?
An acting cabinet secretary is generally limited to serving 210 days under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act (FVRA), but several exceptions and extensions can significantly lengthen this period. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The Standard Limit & Exceptions
How the Clock Can Be Extended
The 210-day (or 300-day) countdown is not always consecutive and can be paused or reset under specific conditions: [1, 2, 3]
I hate to say it but everybody in government in D.C. is “very suspicious” to me. It’s sad to look at government officials this way. Maybe it’s from the many long years of their lying to the American people.
It is by refusing to look at those in government with suspicion that we got here.
I am not sad to be suspicious of anyone who seeks after power.
A constitutional, republican form of government can’t look after itself.
It needs people who are aware that every human is a sinner, to be vigilant enough to preserve freedom.
That’s MY job.
AND your job.
Why is everyone in government in DC suspicious to you?
I’ve always felt that developers (ie: Pulte Homes Inc.) should be ground up into cattle feed.
I’ve watched them buy up productive farm land and medium income housing and build crappy houses that the illegals can buy with USDA backed loans.
Who benefits more from a population expansion more than developers?
And the developers split the take with the politicians so they’re allowed to keep doing it.
Las Vegas is the poster boy city for developers buying off politicians.
Vegas resident here: Top political contributor Nevada Realtors – $430,000 to individual politicians. (Half D, Half R.)
Second: Gaming/Casinos, Third: Trial Lawyers, Fourth Utilities. Overall, not a lot of money. Of course it doesn’t include cash under the table money, if any.
Senate’s big mad they can’t hijack the next nominee. Trump is working around them. Good.
Precisely. Payback. They screwed him on the SAVE Act.
Trust always trumps experience when making selections like this.
As Acting AG Blanche has shown, being an acting can free you from caring about the scrutiny. Also, this gives Bill Plute at least through the end of the year and Trump can theoretically appoint someone that he knows the Senate will reject and get another 210 days our of Pulte.
How long can an acting secretary serve?
An acting cabinet secretary is generally limited to serving 210 days under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act (FVRA), but several exceptions and extensions can significantly lengthen this period.
The Standard Limit & Exceptions
How the Clock Can Be Extended
The 210-day (or 300-day) countdown is not always consecutive and can be paused or reset under specific conditions
I have read elsewhere that Aaron Lucas as deputy DNI did a lot of the heavy lifting for Tulsi Gabbard. I am only basing my ‘opinion’ on what I have read elsewhere, but am glad that he remains in his position in order to keep whatever he learned from Tulsi continuing, although I wondered if he would be appointed DNI….????
Joe Lange substack ” Strategic Deception – the art of war ” 6-2-26 has a very interesting take on this subject – involves David Nunes
Basically, Lange speculates that Trump appointed Pulte 1. To confuse his enemies and 2. Because Pulte is so objectionable that Trump’s real choice for Gabbard (Devin Nunes) will sail through the Senate because they’ll want to get rid of Pulte. Sounds plausible too. Whatever the play is, I trust the President that it’s strategically sound.
Does Devin have a brother?
Again, note the organic contingency planning regarding the state of the House this November and the DNI options, then extend this approach to every aspect of the Administration.
For example, if you knew that the Iranians would try and endlessly delay and string out negotiations would you not have a contingency that exploited that ‘known known’..
Suggesting that the Administration is simply reacting all the time ignores the reality that this appointment illustrates, every aspect of policy is integral to achieving their key objectives.. Simply put, all policies lead to the Plan.
This has Susie Wiles written all over it. A finance guy as acting DNI? Better than the janitor I guess.
Really? A real estate guy makes no sense to you, given PDJTs business?
Be serious.
How much sense would it make to have a wealthy real estate business man with no political experience, who also happens to be a former Democrat, get elected as a Republican to be President of the United States?
Better than the janitor, I suppose (sarcasm alert).
Gabbard was outside the box. Pulte same. Those clutching their pearls don’t realize that past DNI’s before Gabbard were all “professionals.” What did that get us? What impact did they have? Nothing, none, nada.. No, Pulte will carry on what Gabbard has started. The President is looking for leaders, not those that go along. The more I read and see about the IC and the Left loosing their marbles over this selection the better. Just confirms he’s the right choice for the moment.
Clapper was a professional of the same caliber as the Pink Panther.
What a ridiculous statement
“However, with only a one seat margin in the House”
Current Breakdown: 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats.
Republican Margin: 5 seats (218 – 213).
3 vacant seats
In the context of the U.S. Congress, margin refers to the difference in the number of seats held by the majority party compared to the minority party in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.
Tom Massie from KY will function like a TDS addled Democrat for the rest of his miserable term.
That makes it essentially 217-216 right now.
Rep Bacon. Nebraska is another
Republicans currently hold 218 seats while the Democrats have 215. As of April 23, 2026, there is one vacant seat in the House due to the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.). A special election to fill the seat will be on Aug. 4, 2026.
But functionally it’s 217-216, as one can presume that Rep Massie, asshat from KY, will be functioning as a Dem until his term ends in Dec.
I think SD’s analysis here is spot on: Crawford is the permanent replacement, but needs to wait until after the November elections. So in the interim, put a loyal person in there, and let Dep Lucas essentially run the DNI.
Pulte Homes have faced massive class action lawsuits for faulty construction. The Florida Attorney General has been involved.
https://www.myfloridalegal.com/files/pdf/page/F343D79FED97A4B9852583A50074E976/Pulte+FAQs.pdf
Considering the long history of class action lawsuits, I was disgusted to learn he was put in charge of Fannie Mae and Mac..
https://unicourt.com/case/fl-ora-casedq4906271cc027-1793259
https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/pulte-homebuilder-construction-defect-lawsuit-investigation/
https://hollingtonlawfirm.com/articles/pulte-homes-defects-hollington-law-firm-is-investigating-construction-claims
Young Bill Pulte is aligning with the tech bros to put mini data centers on homes. I wonder what that will do to the EMF readings? https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/2051817398085538229
Good research.
He’s a scumbag. And I cannot believe he is only 37/38 – he looks 55+.
But he is a loyalist. That’s the most important thing right now.
So if Crawford gets the DNI position if Rs gain seats or lose seats, what would be the reason to wait until November? Maybe just in case Rs retain a one seat advantage, then Trump would have to appoint someone else?
Or, after the Nov elections, Crawford could leave the House and his governor could replace him with an R until the next election? Or maybe, Trump appointed Pulte to keep the job open for Gabbard?
Maybe the intelligence community has come full circle?
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Homebuilder.
I’m wondering if Trump had always planned on putting Pulte in for the real dirty work, because Pulte can handle the punches, just like Trump, so it would make sense that Trump would put him in BEFORE the midterms, so that Pulte can get a feel for things there and get thing prepared for AFTER the midterms.
Had a wild thought about Tulsi recently. Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz is up for re-election in 28. Tulsi runs to replace him, wins and captures the Senate select intelligence chairmanship. Just thinking out loud.
Sundance, What’s with the constant McAfee “pop-up”? When will your website remove it? Thanks
My PC is set to block nearly everything, However, I’d bet that you have accessible settings which could block your problem.
You would have to divulge your operating system, browser, internet feed…
Good luck.
Well, at least this is one job not assigned to Marco!
With former DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s blessing, I’m sure.
And that’s why I visit daily….Thank you..
I have had a similar question concerning the AG and the Director of the FBI positons.
We have complained adnauseum. Some fresh air seems to be blowing with the departure of Bondi, but satisfaction is not as many desire quite yet.
Get the Senate changed out with people who will vote for the Persons that are necessary to cleanse both the DOJ and FBI?
New blood that will unseat Thune for the domestic agenda of corrections and restoration of righteous lawfulness occurs?
Excellent insight!
Thank you, Sundance!
I have personally known Bill Pulte for years and years, he is a lot like Donald Trump, he’s smart and he’s one hell of a fighter, he has the same kind of natural instinct as Trump, he just knows thing’s, like Trump.
Trump just nailed Thune, Cotton and a few others by picking Pulte (an Outsider), the one thing about Bill Pulte is that he doesn’t ever want to be a politician, ever, and he doesn’t need the money, the guy is a millionaire and runs a great home building business that builds beautiful homes, funny him and Trump both being in the construction business, building things, certain kind of people do that line of work, and every one of them that I know are fighters and won’t back down, they are real leaders, like Trump, and they have very high moral compasses, they will always do the right thing.
I’m wondering if Trump had always planned on putting Pulte in for the real dirty work, because Pulte can handle the punches, just like Trump, so it would make sense that Trump would put him in BEFORE the midterms, so that Pulte can get a feel for things there and get thing prepared for AFTER the midterms.
“As a placeholder Pulte makes sense, and that explains retention of his current job in the Federal Housing Finance Agency while he fills the role of ‘acting DNI’.”
I was trying to figure out why he would retain his current job, and your explanation makes it clear.
Pulte builds houses and apartment complexes. His company does excellent work (at least 30 years ago when I was active in the venue.) As DNI: Huh? Following the advice offered above, I will not think about after I send this comment in.