Trump Taps Bill Pulte to Lead Federal Housing Finance Agency

President-elect Donald Trump tapped private equity businessman Bill Pulte as the next Federal Housing Finance Agency director, the latest in a line of real estate figures selected to join his administration.

The Senate will need to confirm the Pulte Capital Partners chief executive officer for him to become the nation’s top housing regulator, Politico reported. The position is held by Sandra Thompson, who is expected to step down from the post prior to Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

The FHFA oversees government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which backstop roughly half of the country’s residential mortgage market. It’s a critical moment for the agency, as the Trump administration is expected to try and release the two companies from government control, which could shake up an already turbulent mortgage market.

Efforts to release the companies from government control have been percolating since a conservatorship of the businesses started 16 years ago.

Pulte is the grandson of homebuilder William Pulte and has been running his eponymous company since 2011. While the firm specializes in housing products and construction investments, Pulte himself has gained fame on social media, where he gives away money and prizes.

Pulte took to X in response to his nomination and wrote, “Thank you Mr. President. You are the greatest President in history, and under your leadership, we will restore the American Dream FOR ALL!”

Trump is stacking up real estate figures for his administration. Beyond Pulte, notable names from the industry expected to join his second administration include Howard Lutnick and Steve Witkoff, the latter’s role as Middle East envoy already emerging in negotiations over the Gaza ceasefire.

Pulte was under consideration for HUD secretary, until former lawmaker and NFL player Scott Turner got the nod for that job.

— Holden Walter-Warner