President Donald Trump said that Bill Pulte will only serve as national intelligence director on an acting basis, adding that he is interviewing permanent candidates for the position.
"He's not going to be permanent, because, you know, I don't think he'd want to be permanent," Trump told reporters Thursday of Pulte, a loyalist who currently serves as the nation's housing finance chief.
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Trump's announcement that he was installing Pulte in the acting role earlier this week drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who have stressed his lack of intelligence experience. Nominating him for the job would have set off a bruising confirmation battle in the Senate.
Still, Trump praised Pulte's "energy" and said he's a person of "high integrity" who will "be very good."
"Again, it's short term, but he may be very effective for a short period," the president said.
The previous director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, announced late last month that she would step down to help her husband confront health issues.
Trump is relying on several Cabinet officials who are performing multiple high-profile roles, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as Trump's national security adviser.
