Scott Bessent testifies he told Bill Pulte he was “going to kick his a**,” not punch him in the face Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified before senators, confirming a past argument with acting Director of National Intelligence nominee Bill Pulte. Bessent stated he threatened to “kick Pulte’s a**” rather than punch him, as previously reported. Republican concerns about Pulte’s qualifications and his past use of the FHFA for investigations into Trump critics were also highlighted.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a heated argument with Trump loyalist Bill Pulte, the nominee for acting Director of National Intelligence.
• Bessent clarified that he told Pulte he was “going to kick his a**,” disputing reports that he threatened to punch Pulte.
• The testimony occurred during a Senate Finance Committee hearing where Republican Sen. Thom Tillis questioned Bessent about the incident.
• Pulte’s nomination faces Republican opposition due to his lack of national security experience and his previous actions as head of the FHFA, which included sending criminal referrals for mortgage fraud investigations into Trump critics.
• Pulte can serve as acting director for up to 210 days while continuing to lead the FHFA.