Why the director of national intelligence needs more than political loyalty to do the job

The newly named director of national intelligence is a Trump political ally who has no experience in national security. A veteran of the field says it matters who holds the job.

By: Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 8, 2026

Words: 1,528

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

President Donald Trump’s choice for acting director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte, has proved controversial. Pulte’s lack of background in national security matters has sparked resistance from Democrats on Capitol Hill, which is not surprising. But some Republicans, too, have expressed dismay at the president’s choice, a Trump loyalist who currently runs the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

“I …

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