Treasury Secretary Describes Past Exchange With Housing Finance Agency Director

" The exchange occurred after Bessent heard Pulte had been speaking negatively about him to the president. Sen. Thom Tillis asked Bessent whether reports that he threatened to punch Pulte were accurate. Bessent replied that he had said he would kick Pulte, and Tillis responded that he shared the emotion.

Bessent added that the incident happened last summer and that many teams have internal disagreements before working together successfully. He also said he had a positive exchange with Pulte the day before the hearing.

Pulte was recently named acting director of national intelligence and will continue serving as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Sen. Mark Warner asked Bessent whether Pulte holds a security clearance, and Bessent said he did not know. Warner also questioned whether leading the housing agency constitutes a full-time role. Bessent responded that it is an important position.