Bessent clarifies past clash with new acting intelligence chief Pulte
7 reported
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed a past clash with Bill Pulte, President Donald Trump’s newly tapped acting director of national intelligence, during a Senate budget hearing Wednesday. When asked by Sen. Thom Tillis if he had threatened to punch Pulte, Bessent replied he actually said he would “kick his ass.” Reports from 2025 alleged Bessent accused Pulte of undermining him with the president and threatened to punch him at a dinner in September. Bessent said he called Pulte on Tuesday to congratulate him, adding that “many teams squabble in the locker room and go out in the field.” Trump appointed Pulte after former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stepped down last month to support her husband following his diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. Pulte will remain FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving in the new post. Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, criticized the appointment, questioning Pulte’s qualifications.
What’s reported
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed a past clash with Bill Pulte during a Senate budget hearing.
Sen. Thom Tillis asked if Bessent threatened to punch Pulte; Bessent replied he said he would “kick his ass.”
Reports from 2025 alleged Bessent accused Pulte of undermining him with the president and threatened to punch him at a September dinner.
Bessent said he called Pulte on Tuesday to congratulate him and stated, “Many teams squabble in the locker room and go out in the field.”
Trump tapped Pulte after former DNI Tulsi Gabbard stepped down last month to support her husband with a rare bone cancer diagnosis.
Pulte will remain FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving as acting DNI.
Democratic leaders Schumer and Jeffries criticized the appointment, questioning Pulte’s national security, military, and law enforcement backgrounds.
Key figures
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
Bill Pulte, acting director of national intelligence, FHFA director
Sen. Thom Tillis, Republican from North Carolina
Tulsi Gabbard, former director of national intelligence
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Sources: foxnews.com
