Trump Authorizes Bill Pulte to Declassify Intelligence Records

Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has authorization to declassify any records he chooses, including those potentially related to the 2020 election. Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and lacks previous national security experience, is expected to serve in the acting role for one to two months.

The temporary appointment follows Trump's nomination of Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as the permanent director. Reports indicate the president has delayed Clayton's Senate confirmation hearing to pressure Congress into passing the SAVE America Act and extending section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Democrats and some Republicans have raised concerns regarding Pulte's lack of experience. Additionally, reports suggest a White House task force plans to use the declassified intelligence to amplify the president's claims regarding past elections.