While Donald Trump blasts political opponents over alleged mortgage fraud, a damning report from ProPublica reveals that members of his own Cabinet are doing the same thing — and getting away with it.
Trump’s housing chief, Bill Pulte, has aggressively accused Democrats like Fed Governor Lisa Cook, Senator Adam Schiff, and New York AG Letitia James of claiming multiple homes as “primary residences” on mortgage applications — which he says constitutes fraud.
“If somebody is claiming two primary residences, that is not appropriate, and we will refer it for criminal investigation,” Pulte said last month.
But ProPublica found three of Trump’s Cabinet members have done exactly that.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer refinanced her Oregon home in 2021, then bought a vacation property in Arizona two months later — both listed as “primary residences.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his wife took out primary-residence mortgages on two $1.5M+ homes: one in New Jersey, one in D.C. Both from the same bank.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has a primary-residence mortgage on Long Island and another in D.C., both active.
None of them face criminal referrals.
A White House spokesperson dismissed the ProPublica report as a “hit piece,” and claimed the officials “followed the law and are fully compliant with all ethical obligations.”
The hypocrisy is clear. Pulte has called out Democrats for exactly the same mortgage behavior, saying: “Fraud will not be tolerated in President Trump’s housing market.”
But real estate lawyers say these cases are rarely prosecuted — and often reflect confusion or lender preferences, not criminal intent.
“Few consumers understand this issue,” said real estate attorney Doug Miller. “If someone’s at fault, it’s often the loan officer.”
Primary-residence loans come with better interest rates and terms, potentially saving borrowers tens of thousands over time.
Meanwhile, Trump’s targets face DOJ heat.
Lisa Cook is now under DOJ investigation and suing to keep her job.
Adam Schiff is accused of refinancing a Maryland home while claiming his California address. His office says lenders were fully informed.
Letitia James allegedly helped a family member buy a home — not for herself — and disclosed that to the lender. Still, she’s been referred for prosecution.
Trump often reposts Pulte’s allegations, using them to attack critics and push for control over the Fed.
But while Trump screams “fraud,” his Cabinet is doing the exact same thing — and skating by without scrutiny.
This isn’t about enforcing the law. It’s about using it as a weapon. And the real scandal? It starts at the top.
