Pershing Square founder Bill Ackman, who earlier this year pitched a swift end to the conservatorship, now says it could take as long as three years. He also has some near-term suggestions.
According to an analysis by a former FHFA economist, GSE market share ranges from 14.5% in Eagle Pass, TX, to 67.0% in Boulder, CO. Except for Puerto Rico, these disparities are widest in the South and Southwest.
Republicans may hope to use any windfall the government gets from selling its stake in the GSEs to offset revenue cuts in their “Big Beautiful Bill,” but housing advocates have other ideas.
President Trump said he’s seriously considering letting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac go public. Industry participants are now waiting for specific details.
Critics say capital is not necessarily the main impediment to ending the conservatorship. A bigger problem is the lack of planning on what the GSEs should look like after they exit.