Donald Trump appoints Bill Pulte as acting intelligence director while he retains housing roles
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
United States President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, chief of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte will also continue to oversee federal housing and mortgage policies, including his roles at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Pulte, 38, replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned in late May. Trump stated on Truth Social that Pulte possesses "deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets." Pulte is known as an outspoken ally of President Trump and has been described by some US media as the president's "attack dog." He has publicly attacked Trump's political opponents, including accusing Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James of falsifying mortgage application documents. The Wall Street Journal reported an internal complaint at Fannie Mae alleging Pulte improperly accessed the mortgage records of James and other Democratic officials. Pulte has also championed a mortgage fraud case against US Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. He has polarized many, even within Trump's circle, due to his aggressive political actions, which include firing internal ethics watchdogs investigating his allies, characterizing these actions as ending diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at Fannie Mae. Pulte has also proposed a 50-year mortgage in the United States. Reports indicate he has had disagreements with his family over the PulteGroup company and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadKingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has resigned from his position, concluding nearly three years of leading opposition lawmakers in the 10th House. Chinda, who represents the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State under the Peoples Democratic Party, announced his resignation in a letter dated April 23, 2026, which was read in the House on Tuesday by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. His resignation occurs amidst political realignments in Rivers State and weeks after he participated in the All Progressives Congress screening committee alongside other loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Although Chinda has not formally announced his resignation from the PDP, his involvement in the APC screening process has led to speculation about his political future and a possible defection to the ruling party. In his letter, Chinda thanked his colleagues for their support and affirmed his commitment to his legislative duties as a member of the House. Chinda became Minority Leader in June 2023 and played a key role in articulating the opposition's stance on national issues. His resignation is the latest development in the political reshaping of Rivers State, where alliances have significantly shifted. Chinda has been a prominent political associate of Wike, whose influence continues to shape the state's political landscape. The resignation is expected to prompt consultations a
The Norwegian Football Federation NFF announced on Tuesday that it has requested FIFA's ethics committee to investigate the world football governing body's decision to award a peace prize to US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural peace prize during the December 6 draw for the 2026 World Cup. Later that month, human rights organization FairSquare filed a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee, alleging that Infantino violated his duty of neutrality by supporting Trump. FIFA has not disclosed the criteria for the peace award, which was given while Trump and his administration were actively seeking the Nobel Peace Prize. NFF President Lise Klaveness stated that the federation acted independently in approaching FIFA's ethics committee, noting that other federations were aware they could sign on if they wished, but the NFF concluded that pressuring others would be unproductive. Infantino has openly pursued close ties with Trump in anticipation of the June 11-July 19 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Must ReadBritish police are under fire after body camera footage showed officers handcuffing 18-year-old Henry Nowak as he lay dying from stab wounds in December. Nowak, who repeatedly told police "I can't breathe," was stabbed by 23-year-old Vickrum Digwa with a ceremonial knife. Digwa had falsely accused Nowak of racial abuse, and the footage shows police initially accepting Digwa's account and handcuffing Nowak despite his pleas. Nowak's father, Mark, described the police treatment as "shocking," "inhumane and degrading." Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the "awful, shocking case" and noted an independent police complaints watchdog is investigating. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged against allowing the incident to divide communities. Main opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and far-right Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called for changes to police diversity policies, with Farage drawing parallels to the George Floyd case and criticizing a perceived "two-tier culture." Badenoch accused Farage of "deepening divisions" but also criticized "two-tier policing." Elon Musk has offered to fund a private prosecution against the police. Digwa was sentenced to at least 21 years in prison. Digwa's brother and father also face weapons charges, and his mother will be sentenced for assisting an offender. Digwa's family apologized to Nowak's family.
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