Trump Directs $200 Billion mortgage bond Purchase in Bid to Lower Rates
A directive from President Donald Trump on Thursday,December 12,2025,to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds aims to drive down interest rates and monthly mortgage payments,though the mechanics and potential impact remain unclear. The announcement,made via a post on truth Social,comes as affordability has become a central issue in the national political conversation.
Trump Cites Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Cash Reserves
According to the President, the move is justified by the ample cash reserves held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-sponsored entities that play a critical role in the US mortgage market. Trump stated, “As I chose not to sell Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in my First Term, a truly great decision, and against the advice of the ‘experts,’ it is indeed now worth many times that amount – AN ABSOLUTE FORTUNE – and has $200 BILLION DOLLARS IN CASH.” He then declared, “Because of this, I am instructing my Representatives to BUY $200 BILLION DOLLARS IN MORTGAGE BONDS.”
The identity of the “Representatives” tasked with executing this purchase remains ambiguous. Initial inquiries to the White House and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, went unanswered. Though, FHFA Director Bill Pulte later posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “We are on it. Thanks to President Trump, Fannie and Freddie will be executing.” this followed a CNBC interview earlier in the day where Pulte indicated a decision on a potential initial public offering of Fannie and Freddie was expected within the next month or two.
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Echoes of Quantitative Easing and Treasury Intervention
The proposed bond purchase evokes past actions by the Federal Reserve, which has historically engaged in quantitative easing – purchasing mortgage bonds to lower interest rates. However, the president’s directive raises questions about the limits of executive authority, as the Federal Reserve operates independently.The Treasury Department has also intervened in the mortgage bond market during times of crisis, such as the housing crisis of 2008 and 2009.
Impact on Mortgage Rates Remains Uncertain
Whether this initiative will actually translate into lower mortgage rates is also uncertain. Experts note that mortgage rates are more closely tied to long-term Treasury rates than to mortgage bond yields. The Fed’s quantitative easing programs typically involve larger purchases of Treasury securities to influence those rates. Following Trump’s announcement, the 10-year Treasury yield experienced a slight dip after hours.
Political Context and Criticism of Biden Management
Trump framed the directive as a corrective measure following what he characterized as the Biden administration’s neglect of the housing market. “Everything was broken, but I, as President of the United States, have already fixed it!” he declared. “Now, I am giving special attention to the Housing Market.” He accused his predecessor of “ignoring the housing Market” amidst broader policy failures.
The move al
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