US President Donald Trump has appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, handing one of the government's top intelligence roles to an official better known for overseeing the housing finance sector.
Pulte currently serves as director of the FHFA, the agency responsible for regulating the housing finance system, including mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
He will continue leading both organizations while simultaneously serving as acting DNI, according to Trump's announcement.
The president highlighted Pulte's role overseeing the mortgage market and managing trillions of dollars in housing-related assets.
Pulte has emerged as one of the administration's more controversial officials due to his efforts to pursue allegations of mortgage fraud involving several prominent political figures.
