Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed a previous incident involving Bill Pulte, the newly appointed acting intelligence chief, during a Senate budget hearing. Senator Thom Tillis questioned Bessent about reports from 2025 that he threatened to punch Pulte at a dinner party. Bessent clarified, stating, "No sir, I actually said I was going to kick his ass." He downplayed the incident, noting that he had called Pulte to congratulate him on his new role.
The exchange occurred shortly after President Trump announced Pulte's appointment to a sensitive national security position. Reports from September indicated that Bessent accused Pulte of undermining him and threatened physical action during the dinner. Bessent remarked that conflicts among Cabinet members are not unusual, referencing historical dueling among Treasury secretaries.
Pulte, who will continue to serve as the Federal Housing Finance Agency director, was appointed following the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Some Democratic lawmakers have criticized Pulte's qualifications for the role, questioning his background in national security, military, or law enforcement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed concerns about the appointment, suggesting it was based on loyalty to Trump rather than merit.
