WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following is a statement by Amb. Norm Eisen (ret.), co-founder and board member of Democracy Defenders Action, regarding the Trump administration naming Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to be the director of national intelligence:

“Americans must be able to trust the director of national intelligence to prioritize our country’s interests over Trump’s political agenda. Bill Pulte has shown he cannot meet that standard. His nomination is dangerous.

“Pulte is a central figure in Donald Trump’s heinous campaign of political retribution. He has no known national security experience whatsoever. Putting an unqualified crony with a proven bent for the political abuse of information in charge of ODNI is a recipe for disaster.

“Fortunately, there is something we can do about it. The Senate should refuse to move Section 702 reauthorization until Pulte is out. This is someone who raised baseless allegations of mortgage fraud against Trump’s critics, prompting the Government Accountability Office to open an ongoing investigation into his actions.

“Pulte’s apparent disregard for ethics and willingness to use federal power against Trump’s perceived enemies should disqualify him from having extraordinary access to our nation’s most sensitive intelligence and national security matters.”

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Democracy Defenders Action brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.