Republican Dissent Around Bill Pulte Grows

Bill Pulte’s star in the Trump administration appears on the rise as alleges mortgage fraud against the president’s adversaries. But there is frustration growing on Capitol Hill within the president’s party.

Several Republicans in the House of Representatives are taking issue with Pulte and his performance, Politico reported. The GOP lawmakers spoke anonymously to the publication.

One called Pulte a “nut,” while another described the Federal Housing Finance Agency director as “a little too big for his britches.” The latter lawmaker further praised Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, notable considering recent reports of a private dinner last week during which Bessent allegedly threatened to punch Pulte.

“Lobbyists’ anonymous sources will not deter Director Pulte from working with the entire administration to ensure a competitive, safe, and sound mortgage market,” an FHFA spokesperson said in a statement.

Even if a few rank-and-file Republicans sound alarms about Pulte, there’s no evidence that they have the ear of the president. Thus, Pulte will likely continue his crusade while managing the futures of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at a crucial juncture.

The FHFA director announced he was referring a case of mortgage fraud against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to the Justice Department, leading Donald Trump to announce her since-contested firing. It was the latest skirmish in the president’s battle with the central bank; the Trump administration has been trying to tip the scales at the Fed and Pulte has called for the removal of Fed chair Jerome Powell.

Pulte also played a key role in the Justice Department’s investigation into the real estate records of New York State Attorney General Letitia James and accusations that Sen. Adam Schiff — a major figure in Trump’s impeachment during his first term — committed mortgage fraud.

Pulte even upended the relative independence of government-controlled enterprises Freddie and Fannie by removing board members and making himself the chair of both organizations.

— Holden Walter-Warner