Watchdog Investigates Housing Finance Agency Director Over Potential Misuse of Authority

A major congressional watchdog has opened an inquiry into Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who has helped spark probes into several of President Donald Trump’s perceived political enemies, over possible misuse of authority.

On Thursday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said it would act on Senate Democrats’ request to investigate Pulte and the FHFA after Pulte referred several of Trump’s critics and perceived adversaries for criminal investigation over alleged mortgage fraud.

“The first thing GAO does as any work begins is to determine the full scope of what we will cover and the methodology to be used,” a GAO spokesperson said. “This can take a few months, and until that is done, we cannot provide any estimates on a completion date.”

Since joining the Trump administration earlier this year,Pulte has substantially expanded the role of the FHFA director,a position traditionally focused on ensuring the sound operation of the housing finance system and overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In March,Pulte appointed himself chairman of the boards of both Fannie and Freddie and has become one of the loudest voices in the administration pushing for lower interest rates at the F