Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee asked the FHFA OIG to determine whether the agency’s director has broken any laws during his tumultuous first few weeks in office.
FHFA Director Pulte said fired Fannie employees were abusing their remote work status and, in some instances, fraudulently misusing the company’s matching gift program.
The new FHFA director’s whirlwind first week resulted in widespread staffing cuts at the regulator and a dramatic change in leadership at the GSEs. So far, criticism has been muted.
Three Democrats joined Senate Republicans in a vote to make Bill Pulte, the grandson of the founder of homebuilding giant PulteGroup, the chief regulator of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Although little is known about Pulte’s policy positions, his housing and philanthropic background have helped him win the support of most industry trade groups and many consumer advocacy organizations.