US signals interest in using Fannie, Freddie to bolster budget

Signs are emerging that the Trump administration may be less willing to give up control of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac than investors have bargained for, as policymakers scrounge for ways to close US budget gaps.

In recent social media posts, Donald Trump said he’s exploring the sale of new shares in the two companies, which play a key role in determining how much Americans pay for home loans — but he also made clear the government will keep a strong oversight role. 

READ MORE: What Trump’s latest GSE comments could mean for mortgages

And in recent interviews, Federal Housing Finance Agency director William Pulte said the administration is considering a public offering without actually exiting conservatorship, the quasi-government ownership imposed on the two companies…