Particle.news
Download on the App Store

FHFA Watchdog Post Vacant After Reported Ouster of Acting Inspector General

The unexplained vacancy intensifies questions about the agency's independence.

Overview

  • The FHFA Office of Inspector General's biography page listed the inspector general position as vacant on Monday.
  • Reuters reported that acting inspector general Joe Allen was removed from the role, with the timing and whether he remains the OIG's chief counsel still unclear.
  • Spokespersons for the FHFA and the FHFA OIG did not respond to requests for comment, and calls to the OIG hotline went unanswered.
  • Director Bill Pulte has elevated mortgage fraud enforcement, launching a public tip line and issuing DOJ referrals that named public figures such as Letitia James and Lisa Cook, actions lawmakers say typically originate with the OIG.
  • Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, are seeking explanations and warning of politicization of the agency's investigative functions.