Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill Wednesday when he openly acknowledged threatening Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte during a past dispute, using the moment to inject humor into an otherwise serious hearing focused on the administration’s fiscal priorities.
Appearing before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request, Bessent was questioned by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., about reports describing a heated confrontation between the Treasury secretary and Pulte.
Tillis asked whether previous reporting was accurate that Bessent had once threatened to punch Pulte in the face.
“No sir, I actually said I was going to kick his a–,” Bessent replied with a smile.
The exchange drew a favorable response from Tillis.
“Good, OK,” the senator answered. “Good, I share the emotion. Thank you.”
While the comments generated laughter, they also highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Pulte, whom President Trump recently selected to serve as acting director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence after the departure of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard last month.
Bessent attempted to downplay the significance of the disagreement, comparing it to disputes that occur within successful organizations.
“Many teams have fights in the locker room and then go out and win for the team on the table,” he said.
Tillis indicated that his concerns about Pulte remain unresolved. Although he noted he had a productive conversation with the FHFA director recently and hoped to continue work related to the Energy and Performance Information Center, he made clear that he would not support Pulte as a permanent replacement for Gabbard.
The North Carolina Republican said Pulte “lost” him when he publicly targeted former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and called for his resignation last summer.
The dispute between Bessent and Pulte first gained public attention after a September report from Politico described a tense confrontation during a private dinner attended by administration officials and close advisers to the president.
According to that report, Bessent angrily confronted Pulte over conversations with Trump, allegedly telling him, “Why the f— are you talking to the president about me? F— you,” before threatening physical violence.
When later asked about the incident by CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Bessent responded with a historical reference.
“Treasury secretaries dating back to Alexander Hamilton have a history of dueling,” he said. “I think with the president’s team — I turned out a little better for the Treasury’s side this time.”
Pulte’s appointment has also triggered sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argue he lacks the qualifications necessary to oversee the nation’s intelligence apparatus. They have additionally pointed to his mortgage fraud allegations against several prominent Trump critics, including Sen. Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
The controversy arrives as Congress faces a looming June 12 deadline for the expiration of foreign surveillance authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of “playing politics” if they withhold support for extending those powers because of objections to Pulte’s appointment.
Even some Republicans have expressed reservations. Sen. Mitch McConnell said he would likely oppose any long-term nomination that does not meet what he described as the extensive national security experience required for such a position.
“Anyone performing this role of such immense public trust must have the extensive national security experience required by statute, and no nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote,” McConnell said.
The debate over Pulte’s future now appears set to continue as lawmakers weigh both his qualifications and the broader national security responsibilities attached to one of Washington’s most sensitive positions. As the political battle unfolds, questions about intelligence leadership and surveillance powers are likely to remain at the center of the discussion, underscoring the high stakes that accompany decisions involving the nation’s security apparatus.
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