US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 05) endorsed potential staff reductions across the nation's intelligence apparatus, defending his decision to appoint loyalist Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence despite criticism over his lack of intelligence experience.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he would support job cuts under Pulte's leadership.&nbsp;"If he cut, I wouldn't mind that," Trump said, arguing that staffing levels within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had been "way too high for way too long."&nbsp;Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was selected earlier this week to temporarily replace Tulsi Gabbard as the country's top intelligence official. The role oversees the operations of 18 US intelligence agencies.&nbsp;In a separate interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump reiterated his desire to shrink the intelligence bureaucracy.&nbsp;"I'd like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn't be there," Trump said, claiming that some employees were holdovers from the administrations of former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.&nbsp;The controversy comes as the administration continues a broader effort to reshape the federal workforce.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order making it easier to dismiss thousands of senior federal employees. The directive, issued jointly by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), removes job protections for roughly 8,000 high-ranking officials involved in developing or influencing public policy.&nbsp;Many of the positions affected carry salaries approaching $200,000 annually.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vance-blames-british-student-s-killing-on-migrant-invasion-as-uk-denounces-interference-in-our-democracy-1780694723595">Vance blames British student's killing on migrant 'invasion' as UK denounces 'interference in our democracy'</a><h2>Workforce overhaul continues</h2>The latest move reflects Trump's long-running push to remove or discipline career officials he believes have obstructed his policy agenda.&nbsp;Government figures show that more than 348,000 federal employees, representing over 11 per cent of the workforce, have left government service since October 2024.&nbsp;The restructuring effort has continued even after billionaire Elon Musk stepped away last year from his role overseeing initiatives aimed at reducing government spending and payroll costs.&nbsp;Earlier in Trump's presidency, the administration also launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting programme co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has drawn scrutiny because he will oversee 18 US intelligence agencies despite having no prior intelligence experience.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (June 05) endorsed potential staff reductions across the nation's intelligence apparatus, defending his decision to appoint loyalist Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence despite criticism over his lack of intelligence experience. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he would support job cuts under Pulte's leadership. "If he cut, I wouldn't mind that," Trump said, arguing that staffing levels within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had been "way too high for way too long." Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was selected earlier this week to temporarily replace Tulsi Gabbard as the country's top intelligence official. The role oversees the operations of 18 US intelligence agencies. In a separate interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump reiterated his desire to shrink the intelligence bureaucracy. "I'd like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn't be there," Trump said, claiming that some employees were holdovers from the administrations of former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. The controversy comes as the administration continues a broader effort to reshape the federal workforce. On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order making it easier to dismiss thousands of senior federal employees. The directive, issued jointly by the White House and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), removes job protections for roughly 8,000 high-ranking officials involved in developing or influencing public policy. Many of the positions affected carry salaries approaching $200,000 annually. Also Read: Vance blames British student's killing on migrant 'invasion' as UK denounces 'interference in our democracy' Workforce overhaul continues The latest move reflects Trump's long-running push to remove or discipline career officials he believes have obstructed his policy agenda. Government figures show that more than 348,000 federal employees, representing over 11 per cent of the workforce, have left government service since October 2024. The restructuring effort has continued even after billionaire Elon Musk stepped away last year from his role overseeing initiatives aimed at reducing government spending and payroll costs. Earlier in Trump's presidency, the administration also launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting programme co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has drawn scrutiny because he will oversee 18 US intelligence agencies despite having no prior intelligence experience.

Trump wants new intelligence chief to start firing employees

Bill Pulte, the 38-year-old billionaire heir whom President Donald Trump has tapped to serve as acting director of national intelligence, is facing fresh scrutiny after reports resurfaced details of his unconventional rise from social media influencer and meme-stock enthusiast to one of the most powerful positions in the US government. Trump's decision to place Pulte in charge of America's intelligence apparatus has already drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, many of whom have questioned his lack of experience in intelligence or national security. Now, reports have put a rather colourful chapter of his past into the spotlight.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pam-bondi-throws-todd-blanche-under-the-bus-blames-trump-s-new-doj-chief-pick-for-epstein-files-fiasco-1780644454937">'He was in charge': Pam Bondi REVEALS who was really behind the botched Epstein files release</a><h2>Pulte's meme-worthy past</h2>According to a Daily Beast report, before entering government, Pulte was best known online for what he called "Twitter Philanthropy," a social media campaign through which he gave away money to followers and built a massive online audience. The grandson of homebuilding billionaire William J. Pulte amassed millions of followers by posting cash giveaways and engaging directly with users.His online influence eventually attracted communities of retail investors who believed Pulte was involved in efforts to revive struggling retailer Bed Bath &amp; Beyond after the company's collapse became a rallying point for meme-stock traders.Reports suggest that rather than distancing himself from speculation, Pulte often appeared to lean into it. He participated in investor podcasts, attended events centred around the stock and became a prominent figure among online traders convinced the company could somehow be resurrected despite its bankruptcy.One livestream reportedly featured Pulte wearing a jacket covered in astronaut patches, a common meme-stock symbol used to suggest a stock was heading "to the moon." At another event in Florida, attended by retail investors, a bizarre on-stage stunt involving a man getting slapped by a novelty sex toy drew widespread attention online.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/whose-cocaine-was-it-hunter-biden-sarcastic-response-to-white-house-narcotics-accusation-goes-viral-i-d-never-forget-my-drugs-joe-biden-west-wing-1780562403574">Whose cocaine was it? Hunter Biden sarcastic response to White House narcotics accusation goes viral</a><h2>From meme stocks to intelligence chief</h2>The enthusiasm never translated into a Bed Bath &amp; Beyond revival, but Pulte's profile continued to grow. He later entered Trump's orbit and was appointed to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), overseeing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Trump has now elevated him further, naming him acting director of national intelligence while allowing him to retain his existing government roles. The appointment places Pulte in charge of overseeing America's intelligence community, including access to some of the country's most sensitive national security information.Critics argue that the leap from social media celebrity and meme-stock promoter to intelligence chief is extraordinary, even by Washington standards. Supporters, however, contend that Pulte's business background and loyalty to Trump make him a suitable choice for the administration.

Before Donald Trump tapped him to oversee America's intelligence community, Bill Pulte was known for cash giveaways, meme-stock fandom and a viral event involving a novelty s*x toy. Here's what reports have revealed about his past.

Bill Pulte, the 38-year-old billionaire heir whom President Donald Trump has tapped to serve as acting director of national intelligence, is facing fresh scrutiny after reports resurfaced details of his unconventional rise from social media influencer and meme-stock enthusiast to one of the most powerful positions in the US government. Trump's decision to place Pulte in charge of America's intelligence apparatus has already drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, many of whom have questioned his lack of experience in intelligence or national security. Now, reports have put a rather colourful chapter of his past into the spotlight. Also read | 'He was in charge': Pam Bondi REVEALS who was really behind the botched Epstein files release Pulte's meme-worthy past According to a Daily Beast report, before entering government, Pulte was best known online for what he called "Twitter Philanthropy," a social media campaign through which he gave away money to followers and built a massive online audience. The grandson of homebuilding billionaire William J. Pulte amassed millions of followers by posting cash giveaways and engaging directly with users. His online influence eventually attracted communities of retail investors who believed Pulte was involved in efforts to revive struggling retailer Bed Bath & Beyond after the company's collapse became a rallying point for meme-stock traders. Reports suggest that rather than distancing himself from speculation, Pulte often appeared to lean into it. He participated in investor podcasts, attended events centred around the stock and became a prominent figure among online traders convinced the company could somehow be resurrected despite its bankruptcy. One livestream reportedly featured Pulte wearing a jacket covered in astronaut patches, a common meme-stock symbol used to suggest a stock was heading "to the moon." At another event in Florida, attended by retail investors, a bizarre on-stage stunt involving a man getting slapped by a novelty sex toy drew widespread attention online. Also read | Whose cocaine was it? Hunter Biden sarcastic response to White House narcotics accusation goes viral From meme stocks to intelligence chief The enthusiasm never translated into a Bed Bath & Beyond revival, but Pulte's profile continued to grow. He later entered Trump's orbit and was appointed to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), overseeing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Trump has now elevated him further, naming him acting director of national intelligence while allowing him to retain his existing government roles. The appointment places Pulte in charge of overseeing America's intelligence community, including access to some of the country's most sensitive national security information. Critics argue that the leap from social media celebrity and meme-stock promoter to intelligence chief is extraordinary, even by Washington standards. Supporters, however, contend that Pulte's business background and loyalty to Trump make him a suitable choice for the administration.

Before Donald Trump tapped him to oversee America's intelligence community, Bill Pulte was known for cash giveaways, meme-stock fandom and a viral event involving a novelty s*x toy. Here's what reports have revealed about his past.

From s*x toy slaps to America's spy chief? Trump's DNI pick Bill Pulte unusual past goes viral

President Donald Trump on Tuesday named Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, succeeding Tulsi Gabbard, who recently announced her plans to resign from the role at the end of June. Pulte, who is a close Trump ally, serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.&nbsp;“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,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday morning.&nbsp;Trump further wrote that while Pulte serves as acting director of national intelligence, he will also remain as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The director of national intelligence is a Cabinet role that requires Senate confirmation, but naming Pulte in an acting capacity allows the president to bypass that process for now. It was not immediately clear if Pulte will be Trump’s permanent pick for the job. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-cracks-whip-shunts-cbse-chairman-secretary-over-evaluation-fiasco-orders-probe-1780405678066">Govt cracks whip, shunts CBSE chairman, secretary after evaluation fiasco; orders probe into vendor selection</a> Acting officials may serve for 210 days from the start of a vacancy. Pulte has served as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency since March 2025 after being confirmed by the Senate in a 56-43 vote. In his role at the agency so far, Pulte has targeted Democrats whom Trump considers to be his political enemies. In March, Pulte made two criminal referrals against New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleging insurance fraud, months after the Justice Department failed to prosecute her for a third time. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-5mn-hits-in-2-minutes-1-lakh-file-access-attempts-cbse-re-evaluation-portal-faces-barrage-of-cyberattacks-1780402353408">‘1.5mn hits in 2 minutes, 1 lakh file access attempts’: CBSE re-evaluation portal faces massive cyberattack</a> In May 2025, Pulte sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department for Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., another Democrat against whom Trump has sought retribution. Current DNI Tulsi Gabbard announced last month that she would resign from the role effective June 30. Gabbard announced in May that she was resigning as the director of national intelligence, citing her husband's diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. About an hour before Trump announced that he was tapping Pulte, Gabbard said in a video on X that she and her husband, Abraham, were headed to the hospital for his surgery.

The director of national intelligence is a Cabinet role that requires Senate confirmation, but naming Bill Pulte in an acting capacity allows Trump to bypass that process for now. It was not immediately clear if Pulte will be Trump’s permanent pick for the job.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday named Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, succeeding Tulsi Gabbard, who recently announced her plans to resign from the role at the end of June. Pulte, who is a close Trump ally, serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “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,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday morning. Trump further wrote that while Pulte serves as acting director of national intelligence, he will also remain as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The director of national intelligence is a Cabinet role that requires Senate confirmation, but naming Bill Pulte in an acting capacity allows Trump to bypass that process for now. It was not immediately clear if Pulte will be Trump’s permanent pick for the job.

Trump picks loyalist Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard

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Trump wants new intelligence chief to start firing employees

From s*x toy slaps to America's spy chief? Bill Pulte unusual past goes viral

Trump picks loyalist Bill Pulte as acting DNI to replace Tulsi Gabbard