The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has initiated an investigation into Bill Pulte, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). This inquiry follows a request from top Senate Democrats in November, urging for a probe into recent actions taken by Pulte.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation will scrutinize Pulte’s referrals to the U.S. Department of Justice concerning notable figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, and Congressman Eric Swalwell. These officials have consistently denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
- Subject of Inquiry: Bill Pulte
- Agency Involved: Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
- Key Figures Referred:
- Letitia James
- Adam Schiff
- Lisa Cook
- Eric Swalwell
GAO’s Process and Timeline
A GAO spokesperson confirmed the acceptance of the Senate’s request, noting that the office will first determine the scope and methodology of the investigation. This preparation phase may last several months, delaying any completion estimates.
Controversy Surrounding Pulte
Bill Pulte has faced scrutiny over how he obtained the mortgage documents that led to his referrals. During a CNBC interview in September, he mentioned receiving a “tip” but withheld specifics about its source. He stated, “I’m not going to explain our sources and methods,” when discussing his referrals.
Since Pulte’s appointment as FHFA director, he has become increasingly vocal in his criticism of several Democratic figures targeted by former President Donald Trump. This includes his public critiques of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook, both of whom have been subjects of Trump’s discontent. Pulte had accompanied Trump on a visit to the Federal Reserve, which was undergoing renovations at the time.
Political Implications
The situation escalated further in August when Trump attempted to dismiss Lisa Cook, citing Pulte’s referral as part of his reasoning. Currently, a related case is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court in January.
This investigation continues to develop, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. El-Balad will keep you informed on the latest progress regarding the GAO’s scrutiny of Bill Pulte and the implications for those involved.
