Trump taps housing official Bill Pulte to be US spymaster

US President Donald Trump has named a housing official to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the country's top spy chief who oversees 18 government intelligence agencies.

Bill Pulte, part of a powerful home-building dynasty and a private equity financier, has no known background in intelligence, and his selection to temporarily fill the position is stirring controversy among lawmakers and others.

Pulte has been accused of using his role of director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to target Trump's perceived enemies by making criminal referrals over claims of mortgage fraud.

In an announcement on his social media platform on Tuesday, Trump praised Pulte for overseeing government-controlled mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

"William has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago," Trump posted.

"During this period, he will remain Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Chairman of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Congratulations to Director Pulte!"

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy mortgages that they either hold or sell as securities, creating liquidity for the housing market. They are regulated by the FHFA.

Democrats swiftly condemned the decision to appoint Pulte to the top spy role.