Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(138,031 posts)
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 02:31 PM 9 hrs ago

Trump's intel choice had no intel experience. He didn't even have security clearance

Before he was announced as President Donald Trump's pick to lead the US intelligence community, Bill Pulte did not have a security clearance granting him access to highly-classified information – meaning he lacked what has long been considered a basic prerequisite for the job he will soon occupy, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

On Thursday, days after Trump's announcement that Pulte would serve as acting director of national intelligence, the office he is expected to lead – at least temporarily – initiated the vetting process for his security clearance by requesting a background investigation, one of the sources told CNN.

Pulte — a wealthy businessman who was confirmed as Federal Housing Finance Agency director last year— already appeared to be an unusual choice for acting DNI given his lack of demonstrated experience in national security matters. A staunch Trump loyalist, Pulte played an extraordinary role in pushing the Justice Department to pursue some of its most eye-popping cases against the president's personal foes.

Trump suggested he will be tasked with shrinking the agency in an interview with the Wall Street Journal Friday, noting that he has told Pulte ODNI is "unnecessary and/or too big" and said he had instructed him to begin firing employees.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/trump-pick-lead-us-intel-100007400.html

He's an ass kissing sycophant.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Trump's intel choice had no intel experience. He didn't even have security clearance (Original Post) Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin 9 hrs ago OP
Could you imagine the uproar if Joe Biden or Kamala Harris had nominated somebody as unqualified Vogon_Glory 9 hrs ago #1
He has money. Thats all trump is interested in. Luz 9 hrs ago #2
He is rich, which "trumps" Top Secret Clearance Kid Berwyn 9 hrs ago #3
Pulte does not have a security clearance of any kind LetMyPeopleVote 3 hrs ago #4

Vogon_Glory

(10,404 posts)
1. Could you imagine the uproar if Joe Biden or Kamala Harris had nominated somebody as unqualified
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 02:50 PM
9 hrs ago

as Bill Pulte? Not only would there be howls of outrage from the right-wing political organs, but even the (ever-scarcer) competent, qualified Republicans and mainstream-media intelligence experts.

But since Orange Julius is in the White House we’re only hearing the rare squeak and peeping of the competent people the lamestream people try to ignore.

Luz

(935 posts)
2. He has money. Thats all trump is interested in.
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 02:54 PM
9 hrs ago

Not education. Not experience. Not qualifications. You just need money.

Kid Berwyn

(25,243 posts)
3. He is rich, which "trumps" Top Secret Clearance
Fri Jun 5, 2026, 02:58 PM
9 hrs ago

And if you pay him the fixed percentage off the top, Pulte gets to keep half his take.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Trump's intel choice had ...