Republican backlash intensifies over Trump spy chief pick
Republican senators are expressing strong opposition to President Trump's nomination of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence due to his lack of national security experience. Key members of Trump's Cabinet have distanced themselves from the decision, highlighting concerns about Pulte's qualifications. The backlash reflects a growing divide within the Republican Party as Trump's influence appears to be waning in Congress.
- ▪Several Republican senators have stated they will not support Bill Pulte if nominated permanently as director of national intelligence.
- ▪Trump's Cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, did not defend Pulte's appointment during congressional hearings.
- ▪Senator Mitch McConnell emphasized that nominees must have extensive national security experience, which Pulte lacks.
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Republican backlash intensifies over Trump spy chief pickSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxSeveral Republican senators said they would not support Bill Pulte if Trump nominated him to serve permanently as director of national intelligence. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jun 04, 2026, 09:09 AMUpdated Jun 04, 2026, 09:09 AMWASHINGTON - Two of US President Donald Trump’s Cabinet members on June 3 distanced themselves from his pick of loyalist Bill Pulte to serve as acting US spy chief, as Republican lawmakers criticised his lack of national security experience.The unusual pushback from members of Trump’s own party highlighted concerns about his decision to appoint a mortgage regulator with no national security experience to oversee the nation’s sprawling intelligence…
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