Bessent said he made the comment in the summer of 2025. President Donald Trump named Pulte acting director of national intelligence this week.
Jun 3, 2026 6:02 PM EDT
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday whether it was true that Bessent told federal housing regulator Bill Pulte that he would punch him in the face.
Watch Bessent's remarks in our video player above.
"No, sir. I actually said I was going to kick his ass," Bessent said.
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Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said he shares Bessent’s sentiment.
On Capitol Hill, the secretary was asked about his past dustup with Pulte, whose new job as Trump’s DNI is already in jeopardy.
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