Senator Elizabeth Warren Urges FHFA Director to Cooperate With GAO Probe

Democratic US Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte on October 6, 2026, to cooperate with a congressional watchdog’s inquiry into his criminal referrals of alleged mortgage fraud, according to reporting by Reuters.

Warren Alleges FHFA Obstruction Over Fraud Referrals

In a letter sent to Pulte and reviewed by Reuters, Warren stated her belief that the FHFA is actively obstructing inquiries from the Government Accountability Office. The nonpartisan government agency has been examining Pulte’s conduct following concerns raised last year by Warren and fellow Democratic senators that the criminal referrals were politically motivated and misused government resources.

Critics have accused Pulte of politicizing the historically low-profile agency since taking the helm in March 2025. Those actions include publicly referring Department of Justice allegations of mortgage fraud against several of President Donald Trump’s perceived foes, though all individuals accused have denied the allegations. Reuters noted that Pulte has defended the referrals as part of his broader efforts to root out misconduct and fraud in mortgage markets.

Legal Warnings and Budget Cuts at the Inspector General Office

Warren wrote in her correspondence that obstructing the GAO is illegal, warning that it may generate unnecessary costs, inhibit the agency’s ability to protect taxpayers, and hinder congressional oversight.

The senator’s letter arrived on the heels of an FHFA decision to slash funding for its own Office of Inspector General. The agency stated the budget cut would bring expenditures in line with peer organizations. However, the OIG’s top official warned that the financial reduction will force staff cuts and make it impossible to properly investigate misconduct.

Calls for Congressional Testimony and Ongoing GAO Review

The funding cuts to the inspector general’s office have amplified scrutiny from other members of the Senate Banking Committee. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Jack Reed of Rhode Island have formally asked to summon Pulte to testify at a hearing.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the FHFA defended the agency’s cooperation, stating that it has responded to every GAO inquiry received this past fiscal year. A GAO spokesperson acknowledged that the watchdog is currently working with both the agency and Congress to secure the necessary information, though they declined to provide further details regarding the ongoing efforts.