Trump Treasury Secretary Threatens Housing Agency Director at Washington Dinner

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to physically assault Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, during a heated confrontation at a private Washington dinner hosted at the Executive Branch club, co-founded by Donald Trump Jr. The altercation stemmed from Bessent's belief that Pulte was badmouthing him to President Trump and overstepping his role in the administration, particularly in their joint efforts to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Witnesses described Bessent's tirade as expletive-laden, with him repeatedly threatening to punch Pulte and attempting to have him removed from the club. The situation was defused by club co-owner Omeed Malik, who separated the men. This incident adds to reported internal tensions within the Trump administration, with Bessent previously involved in a public verbal dispute with Elon Musk over departmental matters. The Executive Branch club, known for its exclusivity and steep membership fees, served as the backdrop for this unusual and public display of discord among top Trump officials.