Two high-ranking officials in President Donald Trump’s administration nearly engaged in physical violence during a weekend gathering at an exclusive Georgetown establishment.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly threatened Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte with bodily harm during what was intended to be a celebratory dinner for Trump’s inner circle.
The confrontation occurred at Executive Branch, an upscale Georgetown club that caters to Trump’s wealthy supporter network.
Bessent reportedly told Pulte he would “punch you in the f**king face” after accusing him of speaking negatively about him to President Trump.
The incident unfolded during cocktail hour before the main dinner event, shocking other attendees who witnessed the verbal altercation.
Multiple sources indicated that Bessent had received reports from several individuals claiming Pulte had been criticizing him behind his scenes.
“Why the f**k are you talking to the president about me? F**k you,” Bessent directed at Pulte during the heated exchange.
The treasury secretary escalated his threats further, stating “I’m gonna punch you in your f**king face” as tensions reached a boiling point.
At least four witnesses reported that Pulte appeared genuinely surprised by the aggressive confrontation from his cabinet colleague.
Club co-owner Omeed Malik stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating into actual physical violence between the two officials.
Bessent presented Malik with an ultimatum, declaring “It’s either me or him” and demanding to know “who’s getting the f**k out of here.”
The treasury secretary then suggested taking the dispute outside, prompting Pulte to ask if he meant to continue their conversation.
Bessent clarified his intentions were violent, responding “No, I’m going to f**king beat your a**” when questioned about his outdoor proposal.
Politico reported that Malik successfully separated the feuding officials, ensuring they were seated at opposite ends of the dining table for the remainder of the evening.
The dinner proceeded without additional incidents after the intervention, according to reports from the evening.
Other notable attendees at the gathering included Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Medicare and Medicaid chief Mehmet Oz and venture capitalist David Sacks also participated in the event.
Trump administration insiders characterized the confrontation as both “bonkers” and “unhinged” when describing the unprecedented nature of the incident.
The conflict stems from overlapping responsibilities regarding a government initiative to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the federal mortgage lending entities.
Both Bessent and Pulte were nominated in May, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to review the privatization plan for these mortgage giants.
Pulte has assumed primary leadership of this privatization initiative, creating friction with Bessent over jurisdictional boundaries.
The treasury secretary believes certain aspects of the privatization effort fall under his departmental authority rather than Pulte’s housing agency.
Pulte has reportedly expressed frustration with suggestions that he is overstepping into Bessent’s areas of responsibility.
