The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s new director, Bill Pulte, has been using his position to target President Donald Trump’s political enemies, including alleged mortgage fraud. Pulte has used property records to accuse Trump foes of mortgage fraud and encourage criminal investigations.
Pulte, 37, a housing industry scion, claims that he is fulfilling his “number one mission” to strengthen the housing finance system while using his position to serve as a presidential enforcer. However, critics argue that Pulte’s actions are politicized and undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Trump has used allegations publicized by Pulte to try and fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, a member of the central bank’s board, over claims that she designated two homes as her primary residence to get more favorable mortgage rates. Cook plans to fight her removal, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.
Pulte has also made allegations against Democratic politicians, including Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, while ignoring similar cases involving Republican officials. The White House claims that Trump’s actions are aimed at holding violators accountable, but critics argue that this is a form of retaliation against perceived enemies.
Pulte’s appointment to lead the FHFA has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the use of government resources for political purposes. Despite having donated over $1 million to Trump’s campaign in the past six years, Pulte claims that he is using his position to strengthen the housing finance system without any personal gain.
The case highlights concerns about the politicization of regulatory agencies and the potential for misuse of power by President Trump. As the administration continues to exert control over various government institutions, it remains to be seen how this will impact the independence and effectiveness of these agencies in serving the public interest.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-bill-pulte-lisa-cook-federal-reserve-00d9bf828f824eceda7b30f704d1de71