“Democrats Wouldn’t Trust Jesus”: Johnson Slams Opposition To Trump’s DNI Pick Bill Pulte

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday sharply criticized Democratic resistance to President Donald Trump’s reported choice to replace Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), saying “Democrats wouldn't trust Jesus.”

Trump announced this week that he intends to nominate Bill Pulte — currently serving as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency — to succeed Gabbard after she stepped down, citing her husband’s cancer diagnosis.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) walks after attending a press conference with Republican House Leadership, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 3, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard (Reuters)

Why Pulte’s Nomination Is Controversial

Democrats quickly raised objections to Pulte’s selection, arguing he lacks the customary national security background for the DNI role and pointing to his reputation as a strong Trump ally. Critics also note that in his current position Pulte has opened investigations into figures who have clashed with the former president, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, which has fueled concerns about politicizing intelligence and oversight functions.

Johnson’s Response

Asked whether Pulte could clear confirmation and whether Democratic distrust of both Tulsi Gabbard and Pulte would imperil passage of an extension to Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorities, Johnson responded with his now-noted quip and accused Democrats of prioritizing opposition to the president over national security responsibilities. He also invoked the phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” saying partisan obstruction creates a crisis for the American people.

Democrats and even some Republicans criticized the nomination of Bill Pulte to be director of National Intelligence (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“The Democrats are not willing to do anything, even the most simple, basic, important responsibility to keep the American people safe, because they want to make life hard for the president,” Johnson said.

Legislative Stakes: FISA 702

The debate comes as FISA Section 702 surveillance authorities approach expiration later this month. Reauthorizing those provisions would typically require overcoming a 60-vote threshold in the Senate to avoid a filibuster, meaning Republicans — who hold 53 seats — would need support from some Democrats to pass the measure.

Senate Reaction

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the nomination, arguing the law requires the DNI to have “extensive” national security experience and calling the timing of the announcement especially poor with FISA authorities nearing expiry. Schumer said the intelligence community needs an experienced, serious leader, not an unqualified partisan.

Even some Republicans said they wanted to review Pulte’s record before taking a position. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said he was unaware of Pulte’s national security credentials and would examine his résumé; Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) said he did not know Pulte well and would reserve judgment.

Next Steps

At this stage it is unclear whether the White House will formally submit Pulte’s nomination for Senate consideration. If a formal nomination is filed, it would trigger a confirmation process in which both Pulte’s qualifications and the broader political dynamics — especially the looming FISA vote — are likely to play a central role.