Power Play: Politician Sues Over Mortgage Probe

USAThu Nov 27 2025
A heated legal battle has erupted between a congressman and a government official. Rep. Eric Swalwell has taken legal action against Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Swalwell claims Pulte misused his authority to investigate mortgage records of prominent Democrats, including himself. The lawsuit alleges that Pulte dug into private mortgage information of several Democrats. This included Swalwell, Sen. Adam Schiff, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. All have denied any wrongdoing. Swalwell's attorneys argue that Pulte's actions were a clear abuse of power and violated privacy laws. Pulte has defended his actions, stating that everyone should be held accountable under the law. However, critics point out that his investigations have only targeted Democrats, raising questions about political motivation. The timing of Pulte's probe into Swalwell's mortgages is particularly suspicious. It coincided with Swalwell's campaign launch for California governor. The lawsuit also highlights the potential harm caused by Pulte's actions. Swalwell's attorneys argue that the public exposure of his family's private information has put them at risk. They claim this was a deliberate attempt to damage Swalwell's reputation at a crucial time in his career. Other Democrats have also faced scrutiny from Pulte's investigations. Sen. Adam Schiff has denied any wrongdoing regarding his mortgage records. He has been vocal in criticizing Pulte and Trump for targeting political opponents. Schiff's attorney has even suggested that the Justice Department should investigate Pulte's actions. The situation has raised broader concerns about the misuse of government power. Rep. Robert Garcia has questioned Pulte's motives and the recent firing of the acting FHFA inspector general. The lack of response from Pulte and the White House has only fueled speculation.
https://localnews.ai/article/power-play-politician-sues-over-mortgage-probe-a4876c46

questions

    What role do independent oversight bodies play in ensuring that government agencies like the FHFA act impartially and within the bounds of the law?
    Is there evidence to suggest that the FHFA's tip line is being used as a tool for political retaliation rather than genuine fraud investigation?
    What evidence supports the claim that Pulte's investigations are politically motivated, and how can this be verified?

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