Trump Removes FHFA Watchdog Amid Political Mortgage Probes

Joe Allen, acting inspector general of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), was removed from his position amid a politically charged atmosphere under President Donald Trump. The FHFA, which oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has become more vocal under director Bill Pulte, who supports the Trump administration and has initiated criminal referrals against several of the president's political opponents, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff. Allen's dismissal followed his attempts to share constitutionally required information with federal prosecutors and prepare a congressional notification regarding the FHFA's lack of cooperation with his office. This move is part of a broader pattern during President Trump's second term, where nearly two dozen inspectors general have been dismissed or reassigned, and oversight budgets have been restricted. The FHFA's watchdog office is currently vacant, reflecting the ongoing tensions between regulatory independence and political influence within the agency.