Treasury Sec. Bessent Threatens Punch at FHFA Director Pulte Amid Fannie Mae Dispute

A heated and profanity-laden confrontation erupted between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte during a private dinner at the Executive Branch club in Georgetown, attended by Trump administration officials. The clash, fueled by Bessent's anger over Pulte allegedly badmouthing him to President Donald Trump, included threats of physical violence and required intervention by financier Omeed Malik to deescalate the situation. Witnesses reported Bessent demanding to know why Pulte was speaking to Trump about him and threatening to physically assault Pulte, leading to their separation at the event. This public feud highlights underlying tensions within Trump's economic team, especially as the two officials, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, were appointed by Trump to collaborate on privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both Bessent and Pulte, as well as the White House, declined to comment on the incident, which follows previous reports of Bessent's volatile behavior within the administration. The discord underscores challenges in uniting Trump’s economic policy leaders amid significant policy initiatives.