The director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Bill Pulte, has used his post to investigate and target Trump’s political enemies, including Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Pulte, a former private equity CEO, has become one of Trump’s unlikely allies in attacking opponents.
The FHFA was established after the 2008 financial crisis to operate independently from presidential control. However, under Pulte’s leadership, its independence has been compromised. The agency has sent criminal referrals against Schiff and James, accusing them of potentially lying to secure better mortgage rates.
This pattern is part of a broader strategy by Trump and his allies to manipulate the bureaucracy to target political opponents. The president publicly lashes out at enemies, then uses the federal government to investigate and potentially prosecute them.
Federal judges have questioned this pattern, with one judge comparing it to a quote from Henry II of England that led to the assassination of Thomas Becket. A district judge described Trump’s actions as “a concerning pattern” and noted that the president’s public remarks often inspire his appointees to take action.
Trump has denied involvement in the investigations, but the documents and social media posts suggest otherwise. The FHFA director has made public accusations against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, using the agency’s official letterhead. Pulte’s actions are part of a “name and shame” strategy aimed at discrediting Trump’s enemies.
The investigations have not led to charges against Schiff or James, but for some Trump officials, making public allegations is an achievement in itself. This tactic has become a key tool for Trump’s allies to target his opponents, using the federal government as a means to exert control and influence over political foes.
Source: https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/little-trump-turns-federal-finance-agency-into-tool-for-political-retaliation