Republican lawmakers are reportedly fed up with housing official Bill Pulte and view him as "a nut," Politico reports.
The Trump administration's Federal Housing Finance Agency director is now at the center of President Donald Trump's heated campaign against the Federal Reserve and has become "one of his most vociferous social media attack dogs" for the commander-in-chief.
Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confronted Pulte, threatening physical violence during an exclusive Georgetown event for Trump administration officials.
During the cocktail hour, Bessent launched into an aggressive confrontation with Pulte, claiming the housing official had been speaking negatively about him to Trump. Witnesses reported Bessent's explosive verbal assault, with him demanding, "Why the f--- are you talking to the president about me? F--- you," and declaring, "I'm gonna punch you in your f---ing face."
Republicans are reportedly pleased that Bessent confronted Pulte.
Speaking anonymously to Politico due to the sensitive nature of the administration infighting, one lawmaker shared frustration over Pulte.
“I think he’s a nut,” one House Republican told Politico.
“The guy’s just a little too big for his britches,” said another GOP lawmaker and member of the House Financial Services Committee. “I’ve got great respect for Bessent for taking him on.”
Pulte initiated mortgage fraud allegations against Fed Governor Lisa Cook — Trump later moved to fire her. Like Trump, Pulte also attacks Fed Chair Jerome Powell, claiming his handling of monetary policy and the expensive renovations to the central bank's Washington headquarters.
"Rank-and-file Hill Republicans" appear to back Bessent and see him as "a key stabilizing force on economic policy within the Trump administration."
Many Republicans see Bessent as "the adult in the room."
Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), chair of the House Financial Services oversight subcommittee, prefers Bessent's approach.
“I’m always in line with where the president wants to go, and I believe [Pulte] is as well,” he said. “I know Secretary Bessent is, and that’s where my loyalties lie, with the president and with Secretary Bessent.”
“I would have done the same,” another Republican who spoke anonymously to Politico said.
