The Hound | June 4

Why Bill Pulte needs more scrutiny as Intelligence pick, Trump tries to control science funding, and more.

June 04, 2026

Hi there,

It’s Thursday. Donald Trump is trying to seize control of science funding, pursuing rule changes to allow for greater political influence over federal research grants. In Iowa, Trump’s primary winning streak came to an end where his endorsed candidate, Rep. Randy Feenstra narrowly lost to Zach Lahn, a businessman.

And Donald Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte to oversee the nation’s intelligence apparatus deserves far more scrutiny than it has received. Pulte is not merely a nominee for a powerful position—he is a Trump loyalist poised to oversee surveillance authorities and intelligence tools that carry enormous implications for civil liberties, political dissent, and democratic accountability.

Too much media coverage treats Pulte’s nomination as a personnel change rather than examining the broader risks. Reporting has often focused on political maneuvering while overlooking questions about whether intelligence agencies could be used to target perceived enemies, reward allies, or advance partisan goals.

The public deserves reporting that examines whether these agencies will be used to protect national security—or increasingly serve political interests. Democracy depends on independent oversight of those entrusted with extraordinary powers.

Read about this, and more, with today’s stories:

The Return of the Dixiecrat South (The American Prospect)

Until next time,

Harry from The Hound

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