A Politico report says Bessent launched an expletive-filled tirade and threatened to punch Pulte 'in the f***ing face'
Treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director Bill Pulte reportedly had a heated exchange at a private dinner last week, featuring a threat by Bessent to "punch [Pulte] in the f***ing face."
The confrontation, first reported by Politico, allegedly took place at Washington's elite Executive Branch club last week. The publication said it erupted after Bessent learned Pulte had criticized him in front of President Trump. "Why the f*** are you talking to the president about me? F*** you," Bessent told Pulte, according to an eyewitness and several people familiar with the incident. "I'm gonna punch you in your f***ing face."
Club co-owner Omeed Malik was forced to intervene and separate the two men. “It’s either me or him,” Bessent said to Malik, demanding a decision on who would be ejected. After Bessent suggested he and Pulte step outside, Pulte reportedly said, "To do what? To talk?" Bessent's response: "No. I'm going to f***ing beat your ass."
The two officials were ultimately seated at opposite ends of the table, and the party continued without further incident.
The altercation will raise eyebrows in Washington, with both men key to implementing Trump's economic and housing agenda. Bessent has been tasked with finding a successor to Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and has reportedly been interviewing candidates this month, while Pulte has been at the forefront of news headlines in recent weeks over his referral of Fed governor Lisa Cook to the justice department for alleged mortgage fraud.
Both have also been central in plans to move Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac out of conservatorship, although Politico's report suggested the pair have clashed recently over what Bessent sees as Pulte's encroachment on his turf.
Pulte has taken a combative approach since taking over the FHFA, often announcing new policies on social media and targeting critics of the administration. He asked Congress to investigate Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell for political bias and “deceptive Senate testimony.” The primary reason noted in the statement revolved around the renovation of the central bank’s Washington, DC headquarters, which has been priced at $2.5 billion.
Pulte was also commended by the Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) for adding the VantageScore product to mortgage processing, providing lenders with an alternative to FICO scores.
His recent efforts to investigate Cook have intensified scrutiny of the Fed as Trump pushes for lower interest rates.
