Bill Pulte, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, recently appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss a tip regarding mortgage fraud involving Lisa Cook. In that extraordinary multi-hour interview on September 4, 2025, Andrew Sorkin curated one of the most imaginative conversations imaginable. Pulte then faced questions about where his initial tip came from.
Sorkin argued that disclosing the identity of the tipster would shed light on Pulte’s behavior. This question was asked as the House began to wrestle with increasing concern over the allegations, raising public interest in this issue even further. Pulte, though, seemed unwilling to let the public in on any details about his mysterious source.
In response to Sorkin’s suggestion, Pulte firmly stated, “I don’t need you to help me explain things, Andrew.” His terse response left little doubt that he was not prepared to say anything further about the sensitive information that had come into his possession.
In a recent interview, Pulte explained more about why he is taking this position and why disclosing the identity of the tipster would be irresponsible. As to using the debt ceiling to exact spending cuts, he said, “For me to do that would be irresponsible.” This reply emphasizes the fragile state of such material and the burden associated with submitting such allegations.
Pulte clearly used the opportunity on Squawk Box to push back against poison pill amendments aimed at home finance reform. During the conversation he tackled the bigger issue of mortgage system integrity. Pulte chairs the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the agency that regulates the government-sponsored housing enterprises. His remarks carry great promise in the continuing discussion of the future of mortgage practices in the United States.
This interview comes just as mortgage fraud has come under increasing scrutiny. Everyone from policymakers and advocates to funders and practitioners are clamoring to learn what all of this means for housing policy and practice. Pulte’s comments added further confusion to an already complicated scenario.