Democrats Demand FHFA Director Pulte Resign Over Inspector General Budget Cuts
Leading Democratic lawmakers are pressing for the resignation of Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, following the agency's decision to reduce funding for its inspector general's office. The legislators argue the cut could effectively close down the independent watchdog.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, joined by other prominent Democrats such as Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, said on Wednesday that Pulte is attempting to tear down the office charged with independently probing fraud, waste and wrongdoing at the housing regulator.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday night, the lawmakers said: "Bill Pulte is shutting down the independent watchdog that is responsible for investigating his misconduct — like his efforts to weaponize private mortgage data in sham investigations against the President's perceived political enemies."
The statement went on: "Pulte's corrupt crusade to protect himself and President Trump from accountability will likely result in the firing of approximately 40 law enforcement personnel who protect families from mortgage fraud. Bill Pulte should resign, and if he does not, Congress must hold him accountable."
The FHFA disclosed the funding reductions in a press release on Wednesday, contending that the inspector general's budget and staffing were significantly larger than those of watchdogs at other federal departments.
According to the agency, the inspector general had sought a budget amounting to 16 percent of FHFA's operating budget. The FHFA noted that inspectors general government-wide typically receive around two percent of their agencies' budgets.
Additionally, the agency said the watchdog's staff represents 18 percent of FHFA's workforce, whereas the average at other agencies is roughly four percent.
"FHFA cannot justify such a discrepancy to the American people," the agency said, adding that it "fully supports the independence and mission" of the inspector general.
Pulte hit back at Warren on the social media platform X, using a derogatory nickname for her and claiming she wanted to "waste precious federal money like a drunken sailor."
The inspector general position at the agency has been unfilled since last year, after Reuters reported the removal of acting Inspector General Joe Allen.
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