New intel chief is a partisan warrior who has the president’s ear, sources say

Former officers worry Bill Pulte could use intelligence to target political opponents or justify federal oversight of elections.

WASHINGTON — The partisan warrior named to serve as the country’s top intelligence official is part of a small circle of trusted allies who won President Donald Trump’s confidence by taking swift action against his prominent Democratic critics, according to three people with knowledge of Trump’s decision.

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Bill Pulte, the administration’s chief housing regulator, who is due to take over as acting director of national intelligence by the end of the month, has Trump’s ear, shares his sense of urgency and is a regular presence at the White House and at Trump’s properties in Florida, the people told NBC News.

“Trump is always with Pulte and always saying we’re running out of time to get things done,” one of them said.