CNN co-host Sara Sidner and White House correspondent Alayna Treene (Photos: Screen capture)
CNN co-host Sara Sidner was bewildered on Tuesday after President Donald Trump announced Bill Pulte would take on the role of Director of National Intelligence while also serving in his current role as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Trump announced on Truth Social that Pulte would take over after Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation.
Pulte is known for helping Trump find a way to target New York Attorney General Letitia James, a March report revealed. He sifted through James' mortgage application, searching for errors. He then claimed she "committed insurance fraud" and bank fraud when she listed two residences as her primary residence. The charges were ultimately dismissed without prejudice.
He targeted a member of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, Lisa Cook, using the same tactic.
Gabbard had been using her office to question the 2020 election and "examine" voting machines in Puerto Rico.
Trump argued that because Pulte is an expert at "the safety and soundness of the Markets," he is perfect for the top national security official in the country. He will oversee all of the intelligence community in government, including the FBI, CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA). The post also advises the National Security Council and the Department of Homeland Security on intelligence matters.
Still, Trump said Pulte would do the job and "remain" in his current jobs, including as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Pulte's responsibilities will be key given that the U.S. is at war with Iran.
"I just want to confirm that he's going to take this director of national intelligence job and do the other jobs that are full-time work as well. Did I hear you right?" asked Sidner.
"That is what the president said. We have to see, though, how this is going to work," said White House correspondent Alayna Treene.
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