Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, a 38-year-old Floridian with no intelligence background, as the acting director of national intelligence (DNI). Pulte's lack of experience and willingness to target political opponents have raised concerns among senators.
The position of DNI was created 21 years ago to coordinate the work of America's intelligence bureaucracy, but the office has shrunk in size and importance in recent years. The law establishing the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) specifies that the leader should have extensive national security expertise.
Pulte's appointment reflects the long decline of the ODNI, which has been mired in turf wars with other agencies and has been criticized for its politicization. The CIA has reportedly withheld intelligence from the ODNI on issues including Iran.
Some senators have expressed concerns about Pulte's willingness to use the authorities of government to pursue political retribution. Mark Warner, the Democratic vice-chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, accused Trump of choosing an official who will provide the narrative the White House wants, not the intelligence needed.
