A tense confrontation nearly turned physical between two senior economic figures in the Trump administration last week, according to two individuals familiar with the incident. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte were reportedly on the verge of a physical clash during a dinner at the Executive Club, a private gathering linked to the MAGA movement and founded by close allies of the former president. n nThe disagreement erupted when Bessent accused Pulte of speaking ill of him behind closed doors to Donald Trump, prompting a heated exchange. Witnesses said Bessent used strong language and threatened to strike Pulte, demanding he either leave the venue or face a confrontation outside. The situation was defused by one of the club’s co-founders, though both officials remained for the rest of the event, which included around 30 attendees, many of whom hold high-level government roles. n nThe conflict reflects deeper tensions within the administration, particularly a longstanding rivalry involving Bessent, Pulte, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who maintains a close relationship with Pulte. Despite the discord, Trump publicly commended both Bessent and Lutnick earlier in the week, describing them as highly effective despite their contrasting personalities. n nPulte’s influence with the president has reportedly grown following his public accusations against Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, whom he alleged committed mortgage fraud. Trump responded by removing Cook from her position, a move she challenged in court, arguing her removal violated legal protections. The former president has been pushing for a shift in the Federal Reserve’s leadership, urging officials to support lower interest rates. n nThis is not the first time Bessent has been involved in a public dispute with a fellow administration figure. Earlier this year, he engaged in a loud argument with Elon Musk, then a White House adviser, over control of the IRS leadership. n nBessent was seen attending the U.S. Open alongside Trump over the weekend, though the two were seated apart. n n— news from CNN
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Top Trump economic officials almost come to blows at exclusive MAGA club, source says
Two of President Donald Trump’s top economic officials — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte — almost came to blows last week, two sources familiar with the altercation told CNN. n nBessent threatened to punch Pulte in the face during a dinner at Executive Club, an exclusive MAGA-aligned group started by some of Trump’s closest advisers, according to the sources. Bessent accused Pulte of talking negatively about him to Trump in private, the sources said, which quickly escalated as Bessent cursed at Pulte. n nBessent tsaid that either Pulte “gets the f*ck out of here, or I do,” according to one of the sources who witnessed the exchange. The fight was ultimately broken up by a club co-founder, the other source said, as Bessent pushed Pulte to “take the matter outside.” While Bessent briefly stepped away, neither of the men ultimately left the dinner that included nearly 30 people, many of whom work in senior roles in the administration. n nPolitico first reported the altercation. CNN has reached out to Bessent’s and Pulte’s offices for comment. The White House declined to comment. n nAt the heart of the dispute is a long-simmering turf war between Bessent, Pulte and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who is close with Pulte, two sources said. Trump publicly praised both Bessent and Lutnick in public comments Friday. n n“They’re the most different human beings I’ve ever met. They’re both great, but one is a little bit different than the other, like by about 200 yards, and they’re fantastic and they get along great,” Trump said. n nPulte’s stock with the president has risen in recent weeks as he’s taken on Lisa Cook, the Federal Reserve governor that Pulte accused of committing mortgage fraud. Trump responded to the allegations last month by firing Cook, who then sued the administration and argued Trump has no right to remove her. The president has sought to change the makeup of the Fed’s Board of Governors as he aggressively pressures members to lower interest rates. n nThis is not the first time Bessent has been in a fight with another Trump adviser. Earlier this year, Bessent got into a shouting match with now-former White House adviser Elon Musk over who would lead the IRS, multiple sources told CNN. n nBessent attended the U.S. Open with Trump on Sunday, though he was seated several seats away from the president. n nThis story has been updated with additional reporting.