WASHINGTON - Two of US President Donald Trump’s Cabinet members on June 3 distanced themselves from his pick of loyalist Bill Pulte to serve as acting US spy chief, as Republican lawmakers criticised his lack of national security experience.

The unusual pushback from members of Trump’s own party highlighted concerns about his decision to appoint a mortgage regulator with no national security experience to oversee the nation’s sprawling intelligence apparatus.

Testifying in separate congressional hearings, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not defend Trump’s decision.

Bessent clarified that he had not threatened to punch Pulte in the face during a confrontation in 2025.

“I actually said I was going to kick his ass,” Bessent told lawmakers.

Several Republican senators said they would not support Pulte if Trump nominated him to serve permanently as director of national intelligence.

With a narrow 53-47 majority, Trump’s Republicans can afford few defections to approve his nominees.

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said the law that created the job required nominees with extensive national security experience.

“No nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote,” he said in a statement.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis likewise said he would not support Pulte’s nomination.

The unusual pushback comes as Trump’s grip is loosening on Capitol Hill.

Republican lawmakers this week refused to fund his White House ballroom and