FHFA Chief Demands Probe Into Powell Over $2.5B Fed HQ Revamp

HomeNews* FHFA Director William J. Pulte has called for an immediate Congressional investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

• Pulte cited Powell’s testimony in the Senate as “deceptive” in denying costly upgrades to the Fed’s headquarters.
• Powell defended the $2.5 billion Washington headquarters renovation, rejecting reports of luxury additions.
• Senator Cynthia Lummis also questioned Powell’s credibility, referencing his management style and allegations of mismanagement.
• The FHFA is urging changes to how mortgage buyers consider crypto assets in risk assessments. On Wednesday, William J. Pulte, Director of the US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), called on Congress to begin an immediate investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Pulte said Powell’s recent testimony before the Senate about the Federal Reserve’s Washington, D.C., headquarters renovation included “deceptive” statements that could warrant removal “for cause.”

• Advertisement - During the Senate Banking Committee hearing, Powell defended the U.S. central bank’s $2.5 billion renovation project, countering claims of “lavish upgrades.” Powell stated that reports were “misleading and inaccurate,” specifically denying any “VIP dining rooms, marble, special elevators, water features, or rooftop gardens.”

Pulte formally asked Congress to investigate not only Powell’s testimony but also his political bias. Senator Cynthia Lummis joined the criticism, calling Powell’s statements “inaccurate” and citing a pattern of management she described as a “don’t bother me” attitude.

Recent reports have shown political tensions surrounding Powell, with former President Donald Trump urging interest rate cuts, at times through handwritten notes. Powell responded that the Fed might have considered rate reductions in 2025 “had the Trump administration not introduced high tariffs.” Lummis has also criticized the Federal Reserve’s actions on other matters, including delays affecting Wyoming’s Special Purpose Depository Institutions.

Lummis demanded documentation from the Fed related to “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” a regulatory effort scrutinized by some lawmakers. Separately, the FHFA has called for updates in mortgage risk assessments that would require buyers to consider the impact of crypto assets.

These developments come as scrutiny on U.S. financial regulators grows, both from within federal agencies and on Capitol Hill.

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