Overview

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allegedly told FHFA Director Bill Pulte, “I’m gonna punch you in your f—ing face,” after accusing him of badmouthing to President Trump, multiple reports say.
• The confrontation unfolded during a private dinner at the Executive Branch club in Georgetown that doubled as a birthday event for podcaster and donor Chamath Palihapitiya.
• Club co-owner Omeed Malik intervened, no punches were thrown, and the two officials were seated at opposite ends of the table for the remainder of the event, according to eyewitness accounts.
• Politico first detailed the incident with one eyewitness and several people familiar with it, CNN confirmed key elements, and sources disagreed on who initiated the exchange.
• The reported clash fits a pattern of internal friction on Trump’s economic team, with Bessent, Pulte and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick competing for influence over housing finance policy.