A dramatic leadership shake-up inside the U.S. intelligence community has taken another twist, with reports that former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard learned she was being pushed out by her own successor.
According to The Daily Beast, Bill Pulte — recently tapped by President Donald Trump as acting DNI — personally called Gabbard to inform her that her final day would be immediate. The problem? Gabbard reportedly had not been told by the White House.
Caught by surprise, Gabbard allegedly responded that she needed to hear the decision directly from President Trump or the White House before accepting it. She later spoke with Trump, who reportedly agreed to allow her departure on June 19 rather than ending her tenure immediately.
The episode has fueled fresh criticism of Pulte’s controversial appointment. The 38-year-old, who currently heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has faced bipartisan scrutiny over his lack of intelligence experience and concerns surrounding security clearances.
His appointment has also complicated efforts to renew key surveillance authorities in Congress, with lawmakers questioning whether someone with limited intelligence credentials should oversee sensitive national security operations.
The Daily Beast reports that the controversy has triggered frustration inside both the administration and Congress, turning what was intended as a routine transition into a political headache for the White House. :::
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