Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) questions Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on February 5, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Nathan Posner | Anadolu | Getty Images
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis on Wednesday denounced President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the U.S. intelligence community as a “seditious attack dog” and said there was no path for him to be confirmed by the Senate.
The retiring North Carolina senator’s comments on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” further intensified the backlash against current Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Peult, whom President Trump named acting director of national intelligence on Tuesday.
“I don’t think he’s praying” that his bill pass the Senate and become a permanent citizen, Tillis said of Pulte.
Pruitt has no known intelligence experience, but is considered a Trump supporter who has targeted the president’s political opponents during his tenure leading the Housing Authority.
Targets also include Federal Reserve President Lisa Cook and New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who faced allegations of mortgage-related fraud by Mr. Prut.
President Trump said that while Pruitt will serve as acting DNI, he will continue to serve as FHFA board member and chairman of the mortgage group. fannie mae And Freddie Mac.
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