WASHINGTON (AP): President Donald Trump has selected Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte to serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence following the departure of Tulsi Gabbard.

Trump announced the move Tuesday on Truth Social, praising Pulte’s leadership and management experience while indicating he will continue serving as head of the FHFA and chairman of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

“William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets,” Trump wrote.

Pulte takes over the role after Gabbard stepped down last month following her husband’s cancer diagnosis. The appointment comes as the United States continues to monitor conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing global security challenges.

As FHFA director, Pulte has been a vocal advocate for the Trump administration’s housing and economic policies. He has also pursued investigations into alleged mortgage fraud involving several public officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff. Both have denied wrongdoing, and no charges have resulted from those referrals.

A member of the family that founded one of the nation’s largest homebuilding companies, Pulte has become a close ally of the president and has frequently traveled with Trump aboard Air Force One.

If Trump formally nominates Pulte to serve permanently as Director of National Intelligence, the appointment would require Senate confirmation.