Trump Grants Acting Intel Chief Broad Declassification Authority

Pulte, a political loyalist who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was appointed to the intelligence role last month despite a lack of national security experience. Trump suggested the appointment is temporary, lasting perhaps one or two months, yet he explicitly granted Pulte full discretion over classified materials while he holds the post. When asked if this included records tied to the 2020 election, the president told reporters he had given Pulte the go-ahead, noting that the decision ultimately rests with the acting director.

The administration’s broader personnel strategy remains in flux. Trump previously nominated Jay Clayton, the top U.S. attorney for Manhattan, to lead the office, but abruptly postponed confirmation hearings to pressure Congress into passing voter identification legislation. While Senate intelligence leaders have yet to comment, the uncertainty persists as lawmakers remain on recess for the July 4 holiday. Meanwhile, Pulte has already begun internal restructuring, reportedly moving to eliminate hundreds of intelligence positions within the agency.