Scott Bessent Addresses Past Conflict with Bill Pulte

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed a past altercation with Bill Pulte, newly designated as acting director of national intelligence by President Donald Trump. During a recent Senate hearing, North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis queried Bessent on reports from 2025 that he had previously threatened Pulte at a dinner gathering.

When pressed whether he had indeed threatened Pulte, Bessent responded, “I actually said I was going to kick his ass.” This marked a tense moment during the Treasury’s budget hearing and revisited former accounts of their conflict just days after Trump’s announcement about Pulte’s new position. Bessent, however, minimized the earlier conflict, mentioning that he had contacted Pulte to congratulate him on the appointment.

“Many teams squabble in the locker room and go out into the field,” Bessent responded when asked about his comfort level regarding Pulte’s appointment.

The incident originated in September when Bessent allegedly accused Pulte of undermining him with President Trump, reportedly leading to Bessent threatening him. Despite the tensions, Bessent assured senators that he supported Pulte’s new role.

In a historical context, Bessent hinted at the Treasury’s history of disagreements, referencing a CNBC interview where he mentioned, “Treasury secretaries dating back to Alexander Hamilton have a history of dueling.”

Simultaneously, Pulte’s appointment followed former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation to assist her husband with his health issue. Consequently, Pulte will maintain his position as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), while assuming the acting intelligence director role.

The decision to appoint Pulte faced criticism, especially from Democratic leaders questioning his credentials. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced concerns about Pulte’s lack of experience in national security, military, or law enforcement.

“Trump’s appointments appear to be based on loyalty, not national security,” Schumer remarked.

Fox News Digital reached out to both the Treasury Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for comments on the situation.