People

Bill Pulte

Mentioned in 26 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows

Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) who has become a prominent figure in housing policy discussions. Known for proposing controversial solutions to the affordability crisis, including 50-year mortgages and portable mortgage options, while also facing scrutiny for personnel decisions and unsubstantiated public accusations. Frequently discussed on podcasts for his policy positions on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and the role of government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Episode Appearances

Pod Save America

Pod Save America · Jun 16, 2026

80-Year-Old Man Loses War

Trump's failed DNI nominee; third-generation wealthy heir with history of weaponizing private information against political figures

Iran Nuclear Program NegotiationsStrait of Hormuz Control and Shipping TollsTrump Administration Foreign Policy Failures
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The Glenn Beck Program

The Glenn Beck Program · Jun 15, 2026

Best of the Program | 6/15/26

Appointed as interim DNI; facing institutional opposition from intelligence community and some Republicans over FISA Section 702

Civic Responsibility and Mob ViolenceEntrepreneurial Risk-Taking vs. Regulatory CaptureFISA Surveillance Authority and Oversight
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Letters from an American

Letters from an American · Jun 13, 2026

Signs of Frustration

Nominated for DNI position despite lacking required national security experience; has history of weaponizing government against Trump's political opponents

Iran Military Strikes and War Powers Act ComplianceVenezuela Oil Seizure and Resource ControlDirector of National Intelligence Appointment and Qualifications
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The NPR Politics Podcast

The NPR Politics Podcast · Jun 12, 2026

What to make of Trump’s mixed-messages on the Iran war

Controversial appointment lacking military or intelligence background, later replaced by Jay Clayton

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and Peace TalksTrump Foreign Policy Messaging StrategyInflation and Energy Price Controls
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The Lawfare Podcast

The Lawfare Podcast · Jun 12, 2026

Rational Security: The “Forbidden Fruit” Edition

Appointed as acting DNI despite lacking intelligence experience; known for weaponizing FHFA to pursue mortgage fraud cases against political opponents including Leticia James and James Comey

DOJ Institutional Decay and WeaponizationTodd Blanche Attorney General NominationSection 702 Surveillance Authority Reauthorization
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Law and Chaos

Law and Chaos · Jun 12, 2026

Ep 236 — Is Trump's Newest Lawyer WORSE Than Alina Habba?

Trump appointee whose nomination as DNI caused FISA reauthorization vote failure due to lack of qualifications

Prosecutorial Misconduct in Grand Jury ProceedingsVouching and Improper Prosecutor Testimony Before Grand JuriesEx Parte Communications with Deliberating Grand Jurors
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Pod Save America

Pod Save America · Jun 12, 2026

Cage Match Inside the White House

Criticized as unfit for intelligence role; remains acting director while Clayton awaits Senate confirmation

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and Naval BlockadeInflation and Gas Price VolatilityTrump Administration Epstein Documents Strategy
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The Megyn Kelly Show

The Megyn Kelly Show · Jun 12, 2026

Trump Picks New DNI After Pulte Backlash, Dem Party Platner Panic, UFC WH Preview: AM Update 6/12

Controversial temporary DNI pick with no intelligence background, triggering bipartisan opposition

Director of National Intelligence Appointment ProcessFISA Section 702 Surveillance Authority ExpirationSenate Confirmation vs. Acting Role Appointments
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The DSR Network

The DSR Network · Jun 11, 2026

DSR Daily June 11: Trump Loves Inflation and Hates Iran

Controversial loyalist with no national security experience blocking Section 702 reauthorization

Iran Military Escalation and Strait of Hormuz ControlUS Inflation Surge and Energy Cost ImpactsImmigration Enforcement and Deportation Policy
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The Dan Bongino Show

The Dan Bongino Show · Jun 11, 2026

It's Getting Hot (Ep. 2533)

Appointed to downsize and reform DNI office, tasked with investigating election integrity issues

Iran Military Strategy and Carg Island Oil Revenue ControlSouthern Poverty Law Center Government WeaponizationAct Blue Fraud and Foreign Donation Origins
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 10, 2026

Raphael Warnock: Fight for Your Democracy

Unqualified MAGA appointee with history of election interference in Fulton County; criticized by Warnock

Voting Rights and GerrymanderingElection Integrity and Democratic ParticipationFaith-Based Political Leadership
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 8, 2026

Bill Kristol: Make It the Summer of Epstein

Unqualified nominee facing FISA reauthorization hostage situation; will continue election interference activities if confirmed

Iran-Israel Military EscalationTodd Blanche Attorney General ConfirmationEpstein Cover-Up and Justice Department Accountability
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Strict Scrutiny

Strict Scrutiny · Jun 8, 2026

Affirmative Action for Mediocre Men

Unqualified loyalist nominated as DNI; used Fannie Mae position to target political opponents with fraud allegations

Voting Rights Act Section 2 nullificationRacial gerrymandering and redistrictingIntentional discrimination evidentiary standards
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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR · Jun 3, 2026

Primary Results, DOJ Scraps Anti-Weaponization Fund, Trump Appoints Acting DNI

Appointed as acting DNI despite lacking intelligence experience; career in housing sector

2024 Midterm Primary ElectionsTrump Endorsement EffectivenessAnti-Weaponization Fund Cancellation
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The Headlines

The Headlines · Jun 3, 2026

Trump’s Controversial Pick to Oversee U.S. Intelligence, and a Surge in Preventable Diseases

Trump's controversial pick for intelligence director with no security experience, criticized for lack of qualifications

Intelligence Community Leadership QualificationsU.S.-Iran Nuclear NegotiationsChildhood Vaccination Rate Decline
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Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · Jun 2, 2026

The Hidden Costs of Trump’s Hollowed-Out Foreign Policy

Appointed DNI despite zero national security experience; criticized as unqualified and signaling U.S. doesn't take intelligence seriously

Iran Nuclear Negotiations and JCPOA CollapseU.S. Foreign Policy Competence and Diplomatic CorpsNational Security Leadership Qualifications
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The Bulwark Podcast

The Bulwark Podcast · Jun 2, 2026

Derek Thompson: The Party of Vicemaxxing

Appointed DNI despite no intelligence background, previously involved in mortgage investigations of Trump opponents

Executive Overreach and Institutional ChecksAI Economic Bubble and Value AssessmentYouth Mental Health and Happiness Decline
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Marketplace Morning Report

Marketplace Morning Report · Apr 23, 2026

Clearing the path to homeownership for renters

Discussed AI screening for risky borrowers and confidence that new credit models decrease lending risk

Alternative Credit Scoring ModelsMortgage Access for RentersVantage Score 4.0 Implementation
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Law and Chaos

Law and Chaos · Mar 27, 2026

Ep 216 — Zuck and Musk Get Pantsed In Court … Twice

Filing criminal referrals against Democratic officials including Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell, Lisa Cook, Letitia James

Section 230 Communications Decency Act ImmunityMandatory Detention Immigration PolicyFederal Agent Immunity and State Prosecution
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Optimist Economy

Optimist Economy · Feb 17, 2026

What The Actual Fed.

Head of FHA who publicly accused Fed Governor Lisa Cook of mortgage fraud without proven evidence

Federal Reserve independence and political pressureJerome Powell's leadership and potential firing threatsKevin Warsh nomination and Senate confirmation process
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The Fox News Rundown

The Fox News Rundown · Feb 12, 2026

A Mother’s Warning as Tech Giants Face Addiction Lawsuit

Director of Federal Housing Finance Agency; discussed mortgage rates, housing affordability, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac privatization, and builder supply issues

Social Media Addiction and DesignChild Exploitation on Social PlatformsCyberbullying and Teen Mental Health
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Optimist Economy

Optimist Economy · Feb 10, 2026

We Don't Have a Housing Shortage. We Have a Paycheck Shortage.

Director of Federal Housing and Finance Agency; proposed 50-year mortgages and fired affordable housing staff

Housing Affordability CrisisIncome Inequality and Wage StagnationHousehold Formation Rates
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Law and Chaos

Law and Chaos · Feb 3, 2026

Ep 201 — Ed Martin, Don’t Let That Doorknob Split Ya!

Communicating with Trump via Twitter DM; turning Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into research arm for Trump's vengeance

DOJ Weaponization and Political ProsecutionFourth Amendment Violations and Administrative WarrantsCongressional Oversight of Immigration Detention Facilities
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Up First from NPR

Up First from NPR · Jan 21, 2026

Trump's Speech In Davos, DOJ Subpoenas For Minnesota, SCOTUS Federal Reserve Case

Trump ally who referred Lisa Cook's alleged mortgage fraud to Justice Department for prosecution

Greenland Acquisition NegotiationsTrump Foreign Policy at DavosDOJ Subpoenas Minnesota Officials
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Pod Save America

Pod Save America · Jan 13, 2026

Trump Targets Minneapolis, the Fed, and Greenland

Reportedly pitched Trump on firing Powell and brought wanted posters of Fed chair to Mar-a-Lago meeting

Federal Reserve Independence and Monetary PolicyDOJ Investigation into Jerome PowellICE Enforcement Operations and Minneapolis Deployment
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All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg · Nov 14, 2025

Home Affordability Crisis, Palantir's Advantage, Big Short on AI, H-1B Abuse, Solar Storm Hits Earth

FHFA director; proposed portable mortgages and 50-year mortgage options to address affordability crisis

Michael Burry Short Position Against PalantirAI Infrastructure Depreciation Accounting PracticesHousing Affordability Crisis and First-Time Buyer Demographics
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