Housing Chief Bill Pulte Accused of Politicizing Office in New Trump Administration
Housing Chief Bill Pulte Accused of Politicizing Office in New Trump Administration
Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in the new Trump administration, is facing intense scrutiny for allegedly weaponizing his position to target President Donald Trump’s political adversaries. This week, President Trump reportedly cited allegations publicized by Pulte in an attempt to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board, accusing her of mortgage fraud for designating two homes as primary residences. Cook is expected to contest her removal, potentially leading to a significant legal challenge that could impact the traditionally independent central bank.
Pulte, a housing industry scion, has actively used social media to echo the President’s sentiments, stating, “Fraud will not be tolerated in President Trump’s housing market.” Beyond Cook, Pulte has also leveled accusations of mortgage fraud against prominent Trump critics, including Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, with these cases reportedly being pursued by a Justice Department official. Critics are highlighting a perceived double standard, noting that Pulte has seemingly ignored similar allegations involving Trump ally Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General.
The White House, when questioned about Pulte’s investigations and Trump’s role, asserted that anyone violating the law should be held accountable. A White House spokesman stated that President Trump’s “only retribution is success and historic achievements for the American people.”
Concerns are mounting over whether Pulte is utilizing government resources to develop these allegations. While mortgage documents are generally public records, their decentralized nature across counties makes comprehensive review difficult. However, experts suggest that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both government-sponsored entities overseen by FHFA, could centralize such data. The FHFA has not responded to detailed inquiries regarding the use of government resources for Pulte’s research.
Pulte’s actions extend beyond mortgages, as he has also backed President Trump’s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over renovation costs at the central bank’s headquarters. This aligns with Trump’s broader efforts to influence the independent institution and pressure for interest rate cuts. This pattern of behavior highlights a broader trend within the current administration, where various federal agencies are reportedly being leveraged to advance President Trump’s agenda and retaliate against perceived enemies, contrasting with more restricted agencies like the IRS.
Questions about Pulte’s appointment itself have resurfaced, given his history of significant donations to pro-Trump political efforts. This includes a $500,000 contribution to a Trump-affiliated super PAC, which the Federal Election Commission later found did not properly disclose the Pultes as the source of the donation, raising concerns about the potential for rewards for large donors within the administration.
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