President Trump appoints Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting Director of National Intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, who is scheduled to step down on June 30. Multiple outlets report that the move elevates a political loyalist without prior national security or intelligence experience to lead the U.S. intelligence community. Pulte is described as known for publicly criticizing Trump’s political opponents. Several reports add that Trump allows Pulte to retain his existing role overseeing federal housing and mortgage-related functions while he serves as acting intelligence director.

The appointment draws immediate criticism from lawmakers, according to outlets including The Guardian, which reports bipartisan backlash and concerns about how the role could be used in the context of political targeting. The Guardian also notes the appointment could affect congressional negotiations over renewing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire at the end of the week. Other coverage focuses on the personnel change and Pulte’s continued housing oversight duties.