Treasury Secretary Bessent Discusses Confrontation with FHFA Director Pulte During Senate Testimony
Bessent says he told Pulte ‘I was going to kick his a–‘

Image: The Hill
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recounted a past confrontation with Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, where he humorously claimed he told Pulte he would 'kick his a--.' Bessent's remarks came amid discussions about Pulte's interim appointment to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which has drawn criticism from some lawmakers.
- 01Scott Bessent humorously clarified that he told Bill Pulte he would 'kick his a--' during a past confrontation.
- 02Senator Thom Tillis expressed skepticism about supporting Pulte's appointment to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
- 03Democratic lawmakers criticized Pulte's qualifications for overseeing national intelligence, citing past allegations of mortgage fraud.
- 04House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of politicizing the vote on foreign spy powers due to Pulte's appointment.
- 05Senator Mitch McConnell emphasized that any nominee for the ODNI must possess extensive national security experience.
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During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on President Trump's fiscal 2027 budget request, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared a light-hearted anecdote about a past confrontation with Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director recently appointed as acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Bessent humorously stated that he told Pulte he would 'kick his a--,' clarifying a previous report that he threatened to punch Pulte. Senator Thom Tillis expressed his doubts about supporting Pulte's nomination, especially after Pulte's critical remarks about former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The appointment of Pulte has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who argue he lacks the necessary qualifications and has a controversial history, including allegations of mortgage fraud against political opponents. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of politicizing the situation, while Senator Mitch McConnell highlighted the need for nominees in such critical roles to have substantial national security experience.
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The appointment of Bill Pulte as acting head of the ODNI could influence national security oversight and policy decisions.
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