Tense confrontation over political criticism and policy disagreements reportedly took place at an inaugural dinner event at a Trump-aligned private club.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly threatened to punch Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte “in the f***ing face” during a heated exchange at a private dinner last week, according to a report from Politico. The confrontation, which eyewitnesses described as “bonkers” and “unhinged,” allegedly stemmed from disagreements over policy and personal criticisms.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at an inaugural dinner at the Executive Branch, a private club co-founded by Donald Trump Jr.
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Sources told Politico that the clash began after Bessent was informed that Pulte had been speaking to President Donald Trump about him in a critical manner. “Why the f**k are you talking to the president about me? F**k you,” Bessent reportedly told Pulte, adding, “I’m gonna punch you in your f***ing face.”
The dispute escalated when Bessent allegedly threatened to “beat [Pulte’s] a**.” When Pulte asked if they could go outside to “talk,” Bessent reportedly replied, “No, I’m going to f***ing beat your a**.”
Omeed Malik, a co-owner of the Executive Branch, attempted to de-escalate the situation. Bessent reportedly told Malik, “It’s either me or him. You tell me who’s getting the f**k out of here.” Malik ultimately separated the two men, and they were seated at opposite ends of the dinner table.
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While the precise catalyst for the confrontation remains disputed, sources told Politico that Pulte and Bessent have had private disagreements over the privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, a project they were assigned to work on together by President Trump in May.
Pulte is also known for his public calls for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates, an issue on which he may have differing views from Bessent.
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