Trump Nominates Philanthropist Bill Pulte to Lead Federal Housing Finance Agency

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday his intention to nominate philanthropist Bill Pulte as the next director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), a key regulatory body overseeing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Pulte’s philanthropic work, stating, “Bill needs no formal introduction to the Great Citizens of our Country, because they have seen, and many have experienced, his philanthropy firsthand.” The FHFA has been a critical agency since the 2008 financial crisis, when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed under government conservatorship.

Pulte, known for his charitable initiatives through the Pulte Family Foundation, has no prior experience in housing finance regulation. His nomination marks a significant shift in leadership for the agency, which plays a central role in the U.S. housing market. The FHFA oversees the operations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which together guarantee nearly half of the $12 trillion U.S. mortgage market.

Trump’s announcement comes amid ongoing debates about the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which have remained under government control since their bailout during the 2008 financial crisis. The nomination of Pulte, a figure more recognized for his philanthropy than his policy expertise, has sparked discussions about the direction of housing finance policy under the incoming administration.

If confirmed by the Senate, Pulte would succeed Sandra Thompson, who has served as acting director of the FHFA since 2021. Thompson has focused on expanding affordable housing initiatives and addressing racial disparities in homeownership during her tenure.

The nomination process is expected to draw scrutiny from both housing industry stakeholders and lawmakers, given the FHFA’s pivotal role in stabilizing the housing market and ensuring access to affordable mortgages for millions of Americans.