Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Trump’s Decision To Appoint An Unqualified Acting Director Of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor on Trump's thoughtless decision to appoint the unqualified Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

There's a reason the law requires the Director of National Intelligence to have "extensive" national security experience - the role is essential to protecting the American people and has access to the most sensitive information imaginable.

But Donald Trump's decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting DNI would elevate someone with absolutely zero experience, zero, in national security.

In Trump's eyes, the only qualification someone needs to serve in any post in this administration is absolute, unwavering loyalty to him and him alone.

At a time when our nation is at war, our troops are in danger, and massive security events like the World Cup and America's 250^th anniversary are fast approaching, we need someone with extensive national security experience leading the Intelligence Community.

We need a Director of National Intelligence who will speak truth to power - not cater to Trump's every wish.

We need a Director of National Intelligence who is objective - not one who distorts the truth for political gain as Pulte has repeatedly done.

We need a Director of National Intelligence who actually has a national security background - not someone with zero experience.

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