Trump Names Bill Pulte Acting Intel Director, Media & GOP React in Mixed Fashion

President Trump named Federal Housing Director Bill Pulte to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence, prompting media perspectives.

'Terrible Choice': The Washington Post's (Lean Left) Editorial Board called the decision a "terrible choice" outright in its headline and said Pulte could "inflict real damage" between now and January, the longest he can remain in his post until. The Board called Pulte a "partisan sycophant" who is "somehow" less competent than the previous intelligence director, Tulsi Gabbard. It concluded, "A good DNI is willing to speak truth to power… unleashing Pulte is not going to lead to better and more objective intelligence. His presence will undermine, or at least cast doubt, on the credibility of the intelligence community's work product."

'Astounding': Andrew C. McCarthy (Right) of National Review (Right) described Trump's previous appointment of Gabbard as "bad," but said the appointment of Pulte is "astounding." McCarthy said, "It seems obvious that Pulte's main credential to serve as acting national intelligence director is a willingness to pore over government files… and fit them into the political narrative that Trump's rivals must be charged with crimes." He concluded that he would rather eliminate the Office of the Director of National Intelligence "altogether" because it provides "minimal value" regardless of who is in charge, but that "it's not the way Washington works."

GOP Reaction: Politico (Lean Left) described the appointment as "a stick in the eye to the intelligence community and cause for celebration to his base." It prominently quoted Steve Bannon (Right), who said, "It's a middle finger to the Senate. A fuck you to the Deep State. The White House staff hates him because they can't control him." It also included quotes from several elected Republicans. Senate Intelligence Committee member John Cornyn (R-TX) said, "I don't see any evidence of his qualifications for that job, but I'm willing to listen." Sen. Tedd Budd (R-NC) called Pulte "an interesting choice" and said, "There's a lot of talented people that I probably would have considered."

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