Why Crypto Markets Cheer Trump’s Pick for Acting DNI Role

President Donald Trump named Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday. The pick drew immediate celebration from Bitcoin holders tracking his pro-crypto record.

The 38-year-old will keep his FHFA role and chairmanship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He will dual-hat the positions until a permanent DNI is nominated and confirmed.

Trump Picks Acting DNI

Pulte’s Pro-Crypto Record at FHFA

In June 2025, Pulte ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to recognize crypto in mortgage assessments. The directive removed any requirement that borrowers liquidate holdings first.

Bill is a great guy who recognizes that the bureaucracy of the intel community must respond to the elected leadership (rather than the other way around). He'll do great! pic.twitter.com/nlK2tWXZjl

— JD Vance (@JDVance) June 2, 2026

He expanded the policy in March 2026, allowing crypto reserves to back mortgages for the first time.

However, only assets held on U.S.-regulated exchanges qualify under the strict custody restrictions attached to the rule.

Federal disclosures list his personal holdings in Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), and miner MARA Holdings. Spousal crypto exposure reaches up to $2 million.

A Bitcoiner was just picked for DNI role,” cheered David Bailey.

Follow us on X to get the latest news as it happens

Vice President JD Vance defended the pick in a separate post praising Pulte’s posture toward the intelligence community.

Bill is a great guy who recognizes that the bureaucracy of the intel community must respond to the elected leadership (rather than the other way around),” Vance added.

However, critics highlight Pulte’s lack of intelligence or national security background.

MAJOR BREAKING: Trump just put Bill Pulte, who has NO background in national security, and weaponized government to go after Trump Critics Letitia James, Adam Schiff, and Lisa Cook, in as the Acting Director of National Intelligence.If you thought politicizing mortgages was… pic.twitter.com/DRroYW5fJL

— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) June 2, 2026

They note federal statute favors such experience, especially as the crypto market structure debate heats up in Congress. The acting role itself does not require Senate confirmation.

“He appears to have been selected precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need,” stated Senator Mark Warner.

It will be interesting to see whether Pulte’s Bitcoin-friendly housing playbook extends to his intelligence remit.