The Administration · Money, markets and the airwaves
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director
The housing regulator who sent prosecutors mortgage-fraud referrals against several of the president's critics now faces an inspector general's charge that his agency obstructed its own watchdog, and Democratic leaders' calls to resign.
Bill Pulte was born in Boynton Beach, Florida, on May 28, 1988, a grandson of the founder of the homebuilder now called PulteGroup. 1 4 He graduated from Northwestern University, founded the investment firm Pulte Capital Partners in 2011 and served on the homebuilder's board from 2016 to 2020. 2 1 He started a nonprofit that clears blighted lots in Detroit and other cities and became known for giving away money to strangers on Twitter. 2
The Senate confirmed him 56-43 on March 13, 2025, to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. 3 6 Sworn in the next day, he removed board members at the two mortgage companies and made himself chairman of both boards. 2 1 6 He cut staff at the agency and the companies and ended affordable housing and diversity programs. 4
He drew national attention by sending the Justice Department criminal referrals alleging mortgage fraud by New York Attorney General Letitia James, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and Sen. Adam Schiff, all of whom the president had criticized. 5 6 Cook and James deny wrongdoing, and Pulte says the referrals are about fraud, not politics. 6 From June 19 to August 3, 2026, he also served as acting director of national intelligence. 1 5
In autumn 2026 his agency cut its inspector general's budget from a proposed $55 million to $20 million. 5 The acting inspector general said that would end criminal fraud investigations, and a report sent to Congress on October 30 accused the agency of unprecedented obstruction. 5 6 Democratic leaders in both chambers called on him to resign. 7 The agency says the watchdog's budget was far out of line with its peers. 5
The acts and events that have defined the post so far, oldest first.
Sent the Justice Department a criminal referral alleging mortgage fraud by New York Attorney General Letitia James; she was indicted in October 2025, the case was later thrown out and two grand juries declined to indict her again in December, according to Wikipedia. 1
Referred Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to the Justice Department; the president cited the referral in announcing her removal on August 25, and she sued. 1
The agency announced it was scaling back its inspector general's office, setting a $20 million budget against the $55 million in the president's budget request. 5
An inspector general report sent to Congress said the agency withheld records in at least three reviews and called the obstruction unprecedented, Reuters reported. 6
What critics, courts or investigators have said, and the answer given. An allegation is not a finding.
The inspector general's report alleges the agency refused to hand over records needed for legally required reviews of its oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and then cut most of the watchdog's funding. 6
Their side: An agency spokesperson called the allegations incorrect, said it had readily produced information, including 56 document requests, and respects the watchdog's independence. 6
Nine Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, said he was shutting down an office that investigates his own conduct, including his use of private mortgage data against the president's opponents, and said he should resign. 7
Their side: The agency said a review found the watchdog's budget and staffing were extreme outliers compared with other inspectors general and that it supports the office's mission. 5
Rep. Eric Swalwell sued him, alleging abuse of power and privacy violations in obtaining and publicizing mortgage records, according to Wikipedia; Democrats in Congress say posting private citizens' financial records could violate the Privacy Act. 1 4
Their side: Pulte has denied using the agency as a political weapon and says the referrals target mortgage fraud. 1 6
Days before the midterms, Trump signed an order to cut the costs of buying and refinancing a home. The sources reviewed offer no per-household savings figure to back the claim of "thousands."
File checked Nov. 13, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell the desk.
