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US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that his acting spy chief has permission to declassify records, including documents tied to the 2020 election, even though the official has been in the role only briefly and lacks national security experience.

Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence last month, elevating a close ally with no background in national security at a time of global tensions, as reported by both the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu — World. After a political backlash over that choice, Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the top US attorney for Manhattan, to the permanent role. However, Trump then abruptly postponed Clayton's confirmation hearing, a move he linked to his push for Congress to pass a strict voter identification bill.

Coverage Comparison

Both the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu — World reported that Trump gave Pulte permission to declassify "whatever you want," including potentially records related to the 2020 election. According to Trump, speaking to reporters as he departed Joint Base Andrews for an event in North Dakota, "Bill's there, just, you know, for maybe a month or two months or something. But while he's there, I said, 'You can declassify whatever you want'."

The Jerusalem Post framed the announcement as part of a "pressure campaign" by Trump to pass strict voter identification legislation, describing his actions as involving "debunked claims" of election fraud. The Hindu — World presented the same facts in a neutral tone, attributing Trump's actions to his efforts to pass the voter ID bill without additional characterization.

Both outlets also noted that Trump, who won a second term in 2024 after losing the 2020 election, has long made claims of widespread election fraud that have been widely disputed. The Jerusalem Post used more pointed language, referencing "falsely claimed" fraud and "debunked claims," while The Hindu — World referred to the same assertions in more measured terms.

Key Claims

  • Trump gave acting spy chief Bill Pulte permission to declassify records, including those tied to the 2020 election, according to both the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu — World.
  • Bill Pulte has no national security experience, as reported by both outlets.
  • Trump nominated Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, but Clayton's confirmation hearing was postponed, according to both outlets.
  • Trump is seeking to pass a strict voter identification bill, a goal that prompted the postponement of Clayton's hearing, as reported by both sources.
  • Trump met with Tina Peters, a former county elections clerk convicted of tampering with voting machines, a fact carried by both outlets.